Rock Hard Ten scratches, to point for Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Rock Hard Ten was scratched from Saturday's Derby Trial in order to point for next Saturday's Kentucky Derby, trainer Jason Orman said Saturday morning.

The decision was made in consultation with owners Ernie Moody and Madeleine Paulson after it became apparent that enough horses above Rock Hard Ten on the graded stakes earnings list may defect from the Derby in order to let Rock Hard Ten run.

"We want to run in the Kentucky Derby, and going straight into the race gives him his best chance," Orman said. "This is what's best for the horse."

Rock Hard Ten had an impressive gallop Saturday morning and will work five furlongs on Monday, Orman said.