'Rockport' gallops again

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Rockport Harbor galloped 1 1/2 miles at Oaklawn Park on Wednesday in his second day back to the track after missing two days of training with a tender foot. Rockport Harbor is scheduled to work seven furlongs at Oaklawn on Friday, said trainer John Servis.

"I haven't been this happy since Derby Day," said Servis, who trained Smarty Jones, on Wednesday. "He's a happy boy, too."

, a top candidate for the Kentucky Derby, is undefeated in four career starts. He will make his seasonal debut in the Grade 3, $250,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn on March 19.

Rockport Harbor was found to have some soreness in his left front foot Sunday morning. The situation was resolved when a blacksmith pared out a small portion of the sole of his foot and reset the shoe.

Servis said jockey Willie Martinez, who worked Smarty Jones on occasion last year at Oaklawn, will probably be aboard for Rockport Harbor's work Friday. On Wednesday, the colt galloped under Bobby Velez, an assistant to Servis.