Chautauqua refused to take part in his barrier trial at Cranbourne on Monday.
With Dwayne Dunn in the saddle, Chautauqua was positioned in the middle of the field but refused to jump when the barriers opened.
TheTrent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Pleasant just edged the Peter Gelagotis-trained Illustrious Lad in the 800m heat.
It is the fourth time this campaign Chautauqua (image Steve Hart) has refused to leave the barriers in a trial
Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said the star sprinter would head back to the spelling paddock while connections determine his racing future.
"It's race day today and you never make a decision on race day but the time is coming, sooner rather than later," Hawkes, who trains Chautauqua in partnership with his father John and brother Michael,said.
"He owes us nothing.
"If I had another horse that won five Group Is and eight-and-a-half million (dollars), I'd cop that everyday of the week.
"It's not a throw away line, it's the truth.
"He's never been here before but if they don't want to do it, they won't do it."
