Hard to Knock 'Rock' in Swaps BC Stakes

(from Hollywood Park report)
Rock Hard Ten, runner-up to Smarty Jones in this year's Preakness Stakes (gr. I), heads a field of six 3-year-olds who will clash in the $400,000 Swaps Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) Saturday at Hollywood Park.

Rock Hard Ten, who tops the Swaps lineup while getting in with 112 pounds, is a striking dark bay co-owned and bred by Madeleine Paulson. The colt was disqualified from second to third in April's Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) after finishing a head behind victorious Castledale for trainer Jason Orman.

The disqualification cost the Kentucky-bred son of Kris S. a shot in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) because of insufficient earnings. Rock Hard Ten followed his Preakness second with a fifth place finish behind upsetter Birdstone and Smarty Jones in the June 5 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), his most recent start.

Patrick Valenzuela, scheduled to ride Rock Hard Ten in the Belmont, missed the opportunity while suspended. Valenzuela's most recent suspension has led to Corey Nakatani getting the riding call for the Swaps.

Suave, who was assigned 120 pounds, has shipped in from Kentucky where he captured the Northern Dancer Stakes (gr. III) in his most recent start for Jay Em Ess Stable and trainer Paul McGee. Boomzeeboom, 118, is fresh off an upset win in the Affirmed Handicap (gr. III) for trainer Vladimir Cerin on June 13 at Hollywood Park.

$400,000 Swaps Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II), 3-year-olds, 1 1/8 mile
Horse, Jockey, Weight
1. Capitano, Alex Solis, 112
2. Bear in the Woods, Tyler Baze, 112
3. Rock Hard Ten, Corey Nakatani, 112
4. Brands Hatch, Mike Smith, 112
5. Suave, Rafael Bejarano, 120
6. Boomzeeboom, Victor Espinoza, 118