Nimitz Class Wins Third Straight in Johnson Memorial

Tom Coulter homebred Nimitz Class (4c Munnings x Five Diamonds, by Flatter) won a third consecutive stakes on Saturday in the Harrison E. Johnson Memorial Stakes at Laurel Park.

Trained by Bruce Kravets, Nimitz Class put on a master show in the one mile dirt race with a 6 ¼ length romp as the heavy favorite.

Following Hello Hot Rod around the track under a confident hold by Jevian Toledo, the 4-year-old eagerly took command in the stretch and no one else had a chance. Toledo kept his mount focused throughout the final two furlongs and it paid off with all but two horses more than 11 lengths back at the wire.

Winning eight of his 14 starts, including both his runs this year, Nimitz Class has made over $354,000 in earnings with four of his last five starts resulting in victories.

Out of the stakes winning Five Diamonds, Nimitz Class is a full brother to multiple stakes winner Kaylasaurus with the mare producing four winners from five to race. Five Diamonds also has a yearling by Lookin At Lucky named Quittin’ Time and visited Mendelssohn last year.

Five Diamonds is one of two stakes performers out of Smart Jane, who also produced stakes placed 11-time winner Smart Tori. The family also includes champion Requebra, Grade I winner In Essence, and multiple Grade II winners Tap and Tap Is Back.

Munnings was the sire of two stakes winners on Saturday with his daughter Lady Lowery also winning the Beyond The Wire Stakes on the same card.