Connections 'pull the plug' on Roy H's Breeders' Cup three-peat

Trainer Miller had hoped to train champion Roy H up to the Breeders' Cup Sprint and a potential bid at a three-peat in the $2 million race. But with only one work recorded back from a foot issue last spring and just a little more than a month to get the gelding ready, Miller said Monday those plans are off.

“It was really just a matter of running out of time and doing the right thing," said Miller, who trains the 7-year-old son of More Than Ready for Gary Hartunian's Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen. "The horse has been too good to Mr. Hartunian and myself. We just decided to pull the plug on this year, but next year’s still in the running.”

There are no plans to retire Roy H as of now amid a career in which he's earned more than $3 million, also winning back-to-back runnings of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G1) and Palos Verdes Stakes (G2).

And as for Miller, who's based in California and close to home for the Nov. 1-2 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park, he said, "I've got plenty of other action."

Grade 1 winner Spiced Perfection is scheduled to return in Keeneland's Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) on Saturday, making her first start since Kentucky Derby weekend. The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint prospect won the Madison (G1) two starts back.

Miller, who has also won the last two editions of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint with Stormy Liberal, will send that champion grass runner back this season along with the mare Belvoir Bay and Om.

As far as 2-year-olds, Del Mar Juvenile Turf runner-up Billy Batts could go in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, while Grade 1-placed Wrecking Crew is training up to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

There's a decision pending on Gray Magician, who appeared in the Kentucky Derby, won the Ellis Park Derby and most recently ran a narrow second in Parx's Smarty Jones Stakes.

"He's certainly a possibility for the Breeders' Cup," Miller said. "We're going to try and run him once before then and see if he warrants either . the (Dirt) Mile or the Classic."