Schoolofhardrocks to step up for Santa Anita Derby

Arcadia, CA (SportsNetwork.com) – Trainer David Hofmans will saddle lightly raced Schoolofhardrocks in next week’s $1 million Santa Anita Derby.

Owned by Amerman Racing, Schoolofhardrocks has just two starts on his resume including the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe Stakes on March 8 at Santa Anita Park. The colt finished fourth, 15 lengths behind California Chrome, in his first start of the year and first since breaking his maiden at Del Mar last August.

“He hadn’t run in more than six months, since breaking his maiden at Del Mar,” said John Amerman whose 3-year-old was 9-2 in the stakes.

Friday morning at Santa Anita, Schoolofhardrocks worked six furlongs in 1:12 4/5.

“He worked great,” said Hofmans. “We’re a little concerned about the track being speed-biased (for the Santa Anita Derby), like it was for the San Felipe. That’s a major concern.”

Along with Schoolofhardrocks other possible starters in the 1 1/8-mile Santa Anita Derby are San Felipe winner California Chrome, undefeated Bayern, Rebel Stakes winner Hoppertunity, Robert B. Lewis champ Candy Boy, Dublin Up, Big Tire, Friendswith K Mill, Rprettyboyfloyd and The Admiral.

Categorized in: Horses