Miller stablemates Stormy Liberal, Roy H both dangerous in Daytona

ARCADIA, Calif. – Unbeaten in a combined five starts this year, Stormy Liberal and Roy H give Rockingham Ranch and trainer Peter Miller a deep team in Saturday’s Grade 3 Daytona Stakes on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita.

A sweep of the exacta in the $150,000 race at about 6 1/2 furlongs is achievable.

Stormy Liberal has won three stakes on the hillside turf course since late January. Roy H won an optional claimer on the hillside April 8 and an optional claimer for sprinters on the main track May 6.

“They’re both very talented and good horses,” Miller said. “We’ve got a good one-two punch.”

The Daytona is the first of four graded stakes on a nine-race program.

Ambitious Brew, who won the Sensational Star Handicap for California-breds on the hillside turf course in February, and the multiple stakes winner Home Run Kitten are the most significant threats to the Miller-trained runners.

Blackjackcat, third in two derbies last year, and the speedy Eddie Haskell, third to Stormy Liberal in the Siren Lure Stakes on the hillside turf course April 23, complete the field.

Daytona, Race 3

KEY CONTENDERS

Stormy Liberal, by Stormy Atlantic

Last 3 Beyers: 99-103-100

◗ Stormy Liberal has led or stalked the pace in his three stakes wins this year. In each race, he has taken control when the field crosses onto the main turf course. Stormy Liberal could stalk Eddie Haskell in the Daytona.

“It looks like there is some speed in the race,” Miller said. “He can sit off the pace. He trains as good as ever.”

Roy H, by More than Ready

Last 3 Beyers: 105-91-84

◗ The Daytona will be the stakes debut for Roy H, who drew off to win his last start by 7 1/4 lengths after stalking the pace.

“He broke on top and could have been on the lead,” Miller said. “That was not the plan. He’s versatile.”

Ambitious Brew, by Tizbud

Last 3 Beyers: 97-98-84

◗ Ambitious Brew was beaten three-quarters of a length in the Siren Lure after challenging for the lead. Last fall, Ambitious Brew won a division of the Grade 3 Eddie D Stakes on the hillside turf course and was 13th in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint here in November.

“He’s a neat horse,” trainer Marty Jones said. “He’s probably mellowed out a little bit, but he’s always been an honest horse.”

◗ Ambitious Brew drew the rail in the Daytona, which could force jockey Mike Smith to keep the 7-year-old gelding close to the front.

Home Run Kitten, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 89-94-91

◗ The Daytona will be the first start for Home Run Kitten since a fifth in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar last July.

“He hurt his foot at Del Mar,” trainer David Hofmans said. “I’ve never seen him so good, and I’ve had him since he was 2. There is plenty of speed to run at.”