Champion Roy H seeks redemption in Bing Crosby

Eclipse Champion Roy H is looking for redemption in July 28's Grade 1, $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar.

Just last year, Roy H came into the Bing Crosby riding a three-race winning streak, which was snapped when a loose horse carried Roy H wide coming out of the turn, allowing Ransom the Moon an opening to save ground and win the race. That defeat marked Roy H's only loss for the year as he went on to win the Breeders' Cup Sprint and was ultimately crowned the Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter for 2017.

"While Roy's success last year is truly the highlight of our racing career, that one little blemish on his year was that Bing Crosby second-place finish," said Rockingham Ranch owner and racing manager Brian Trump. "We knew we had the best horse in the race, but unforeseen circumstances thought otherwise."

 This year Roy H started off the year right where he left off with a win in the Palos Verdes Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita. However he suffered his first loss of the year finishing third in the Golden Shaheen (G1) at Meydan Racetrack in Dubai behind X Y Jet, who is also owned by Rockingham Ranch, and the winner Mind Your Biscuits.

"He was just flat in Dubai. I don't know if it was the travel, or the surface, or the sheer size of the venue, but you could tell he was just not himself," Trump said. "But he is back in Southern California, and with a little rest, he is definitely back to himself."

Roy H worked a five-furlong bullet Wednesday morning, finishing in :59.2, ranking the fastest of 66 horses at that distance.

"That's exactly what we wanted to see out of him. He's ready to go," Trump said after the work.

Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, who rides Roy H said after the work, "He's unbelievable -- a well-oiled machine."