Ransom the Moon, Roy H go at it again in Santa Anita Sprint Championship

ARCADIA, Calif. – The Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on July 29 is remembered as much for Drefong unseating jockey Mike Smith shortly after the start as it is for the excellent performances of the first two finishers, Ransom the Moon and Roy H.

Ransom the Moon rallied on the rail to win the six-furlong race and secure an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint Nov. 4 at Del Mar. Roy H was fanned wide by the riderless Drefong and was beaten 1 1/4 lengths.

Ransom the Moon and Roy H are on the same career path this year and meet for the second time in Saturday’s Grade 1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship at six furlongs, which also will offer an automatic berth to the BC Sprint to the winner.

Drefong, who won the Grade 1 Forego Stakes on Aug. 26 at Saratoga, is not part of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship field. In Saturday’s race, Drefong’s trainer, Bob Baffert, starts the 3-year-old American Anthem, who won the Grade 1 Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont Park in June and was third in the Grade 1 Allen Jerkens Stakes on Aug. 26 at Saratoga.

American Anthem will race against older horses for the first time Saturday and needs a career-best performance to win the Santa Anita Sprint Championship against Ransom the Moon and Roy H, who have impressed their respective trainers in recent weeks with their preparation.

The Santa Anita Sprint Championship is one of three stakes on a 10-race program that begins at 12:30 p.m. Pacific.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Ransom the Moon, by Malibu Moon

Last 3 Beyers: 102-107-103

◗ Since joining trainer Phil D’Amato’s stable last winter, Ransom the Moon has won three of four starts, with the loss a second to the now-retired Danzing Candy in the Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes in June.

◗ The Bing Crosby was Ransom the Moon’s first start at six furlongs and his 19th race.

◗ With a BC Sprint berth secured, D’Amato considers Saturday’s race to be a prep. D’Amato said the 11 weeks between starts has been a boost for Ransom the Moon, who races for Mark Martinez and Jeffry Wilke.

“This race is a nice race,” D’Amato said. “He should be ready to win, but our main goal is the Breeders’ Cup. We gave him a little extra time. I want to have a fresh horse to race in his next two starts.

“This horse is a big, beautiful, strong horse. I want to keep him happy and sound. I have no doubt he’ll prove himself this year and next. He’s gaining confidence and learning how to win races.”

◗ Ransom the Moon drew the rail in a field of six Saturday. Jockey Flavien Prat will have Ransom the Moon close to the front in a race without a clear pacesetter.

Roy H, by More than Ready

Last 3 Beyers: 98-111-106

◗ Roy H was brilliant winning his stakes debut in the Grade 2 True North Stakes at six furlongs June 9 at Belmont Park, stalking the pace to the quarter pole and winning by 2 1/2 lengths. In the Bing Crosby, Roy H was always near the front. He was fanned six wide by Drefong, which cost him the race, according to trainer Peter Miller.

“It was just bad luck,” Miller said. “He won three in a row off the pace and he was on the lead.”

◗ Roy H drew the outside post in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship and is likely to race near the front throughout.

Giant Expectations, by Frost Giant

Last 3 Beyers: 101-91-89

◗ Trained by Peter Eurton, Giant Expectations was beset with lung problems that led to an 11-month layoff ending in May. Since his return, Giant Expectations has flourished, winning three of four starts, including his stakes debut in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes at seven furlongs Aug. 26 at Del Mar.

◗ Giant Expectations earned a fees-paid berth to the BC Dirt Mile on Nov. 3 at Del Mar for that win. Saturday’s race is considered a prep for the BC Dirt Mile.