Another Bruised Foot

- First it was Pico Central and Galloping Grocer, now Rockport Harbor has suffered a foot bruise and could now miss what was to be his seasonal debut in the Rebel at Oaklawn on March 19.

"We are treating the bruise with Epsom salts and hot water, and a black tar-like salve called icthamol," Servis said. "It's too early to tell how much time Rocky will miss, but obviously time isn't on our side. We wanted Rocky at 110% for the Rebel. The best scenario is that he gets back to the racetrack by the end of the week."[Thoroughbred Times]

Since the Arkansas Derby, which was to be the second of Rockport Harbor’s two Derby preps, is not until April 16, three weeks before the Derby, Servis could look for some kind of allowance spot later in March (and I'm sure that Oaklawn management will accommodate him in that respect if necessaey) if the colt can’t make the Rebel. The strategy of only two preps being followed by the handlers of some of the top prospects does not leave much room for any significant setback.