Mercedes Stable LLC and Paulson’s homebred ROCK HARD TEN (Kris S.) made a
last-to-first move and got up late under Gary Stevens to capture the $250,000 Mailbu S. (G1)
by a half-length at Santa Anita Park on Sunday. Rating off fractions of :22 1/5
and :44 1/5 for the opening half-mile, the dark bay raced at the rear before
being asked for his best, and the colt responded, stopping the clock for seven
fast furlongs in 1:21 4/5. Under the tutelage of Richard Mandella for the
initial time, the
three-year-old gave back $6.80, $4 and $3.60 as the 2-1 second choice.
The next three finishers were all conditioned by Doug O’ Neill. Lava Man
(Slew City Slew) moved through a big opening in mid-track and led late, but
could not hold off the winner. The 8-1 shot was good for $5.80 and $4.20 while
completing the $22.70 exacta ($1). Harvard Avenue (You and I) commenced his run
virtually with the winner turning for home, but could not match strides with him
in the latter stages, settling for the show just a nose shy of place at 21-1.
Show was worth $7.20 while the trifecta returned $214.60 ($1). Perfect Moon
(Malibu Moon) looked like the winner turning for home and in mid-stretch when he
was a head clear, but
lugged out badly in the latter stages and could garner no better than fourth,
another nose back. The
gelding rounded out the $2156.70 superfecta ($1) at 34-1.
Mass Media (Touch Gold), the 6-5 betting choice, was another 1 1/2 lengths back
in fifth and followed by pacesetter Stone Rain (Grindstone), Minister Eric (Old
Trieste), Grand Reward (Storm Cat), Quinton’s Gold Rush (Wild Rush) and Jeffries
Bay (Gone West). Love of Money (Not For Love) and Spellbinder (Tale of the Cat)
were withdrawn.
Rock Hard Ten further proved his affinity for the Santa Anita oval as he won
there for the third time in four tries. His overall mark stands at 8-4-1-1 with
earnings of $790,380, which includes a win in the Swaps Breeders’ Cup S. (G2),
and placings in the Preakness S. (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1).
The winner was bred in the Bluegrass State and produced from the French champion
two-year-old filly Tersa (Mr. Prospector). Rock Hard Ten also has a pair
of unnamed half-brothers by Theatrical (Ire), a yearling and weanling colt.