New More Than Ready stakes winner in New York

More Than Ready logged his 172nd stakes winner when Roy H rallied to a two-length victory in the G2 True North Stakes (1200m) at Belmont on Friday.

Trainer Peter Miller flew Roy H to New York for his stakes debut after a hollow allowance win at Santa Anita last month.  “You might think this was ambitious but I believe he’s been a stakes horse from Day 1,” Miller explained.  “Unfortunately, a lot of little things prevented him from winning one until now.

“He showed what he’s about today.  We will take him back to California and I think you’re going to hear a lot more from Roy H.”

Roy H (5g More Than Ready–Elusive Diva by Elusive Quality) clocked a quick 1:08.59s against a deep field of east coast sprinters.  He defeated millionaire Stallwalkin’ Dude (City Place) and Whitmore (Pleasantly Perfect) who was gunning for his sixth win in a row.

A $300,000 buy for owner Gary Hartunian at Keeneland, he was bred by Ramona Bass who also bred More Than Ready’s Churchill Downs stakes winner A Little Bit Sassy.

Winning jockey Paco Lopez said Roy H was an easy ride.  “He was ready.  I waited and let him go and he finished very well.  I had a good break and the horse put me right there.  He’s good.”

More Than Ready shuttles to Vinery Stud for a $66,000 (inc gst) service fee.

ROY H