Perfect Drift Out of Kentucky Cup Consideration

Last year's winner of the Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) at Turfway Park, Perfect Drift, will not return to defend his title, trainer Murray Johnson said Monday morning after Perfect Drift finished a five-furlong work in 1:03 3/5 at Trackside in Louisville. Joe Deegan was aboard for the work.

"He went nice and relaxed," Johnson said. "He has come out of his travels really well. The Kentucky Cup was definitely on our radar, but we want to go into his next two races fresh and ready to roll."

The 5-year-old gelding is likely for the Oct. 2 Hawthorne Gold Cup (gr. II) at Hawthorne. If he does well, Johnson plans to take him back to the Breeders' Cup Classic- Powered by Dodge (gr. I) at Lone Star Oct. 30.

In other Kentucky Cup news, Roses in May, who twice beat Perfect Drift this summer, will be in for the Classic, according to trainer Dale Romans. John Velasquez will have the mount.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has nominated both Seattle Fitz and Eye of the Tiger to the Classic and will make a decision after working both at Belmont Tuesday. Adreamisborn, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, is set for the Classic and will be ridden by Russell Baze. Trainer Cole Norman will send Pie N Burger, with Jamie Theriot to ride. Colita was removed from the list of possible starters by trainer Todd Pletcher.