Foot Bruise Delays Shipping Plans for Rock Hard Ten

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Rock Hard Ten, one of the favorites for the Oct. 29 Breeders' Cup Classic – Powered by Dodge (gr. I), has had his shipping plans to New York delayed because of a small bruise on his left front foot.

The son of Kris S., owned by Ernie Moody's Mercedes Stable and Madeleine (Paulson) Pickens, was to have arrived at Belmont Park Oct. 23. Now, he is booked on an Oct. 26 flight.

Rock Hard Ten, winner of all three of his starts this year, worked out at Santa Anita Thursday prior to the first race. He went seven furlongs in 1:25 3/5. Trainer Richard Mandella said Saturday that the problem was noticed following the work.

"He came out of the work with a small bruise," Mandella said. "We pulled the shoe, soaked the foot, and put on a poultice."

Rock Hard Ten went to the track this morning and galloped without the shoe.

The bruise "has not interfered with our progress," Mandella said. "He is responding very well."

A new shoe will be put on Monday and Rock Hard Ten will ship Wednesday, Mandella said.

"It's never easy," the trainer said. Mandella, based in Southern California, has won six Breeders' Cup races including the Classic with Pleasantly Perfect in 2003.

Rock Hard Ten won the Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) in his last start Oct. 1 at Santa Anita. It was his first start since March when he won the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I). In his first start of the year, the 4-year-old colt won the Strub Stakes (gr. II).

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