Rock Hard Ten...where will he set up shop and at what cost?

LSB · Postby **LSB** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:48 am

sunday_silence wrote:If somebody tells me that there are still enough quality "available" mares to give AA and Rock the kind of books they'd have gotten if they both retired in August or September, I don't think I'd believe it.

I think there is a certain arrogance among stallion owners/handlers that makes them believe they can act in whatever manner suits them and the mare owners will simply fall in line (and be lucky to have the high-priced opportunity to breed to their stallions. :roll:

)

I have been waiting...waiting...waiting...to hear the plans for Rock Hard Ten because I have a mare I thought would suit him. Well, as I'm waiting, all the other stallions I might possibly want are getting booked up. Finally I gave up and booked her to someone else yesterday.

skeenan · Postby **skeenan** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 12:26 pm

Sysonby wrote:The A P Indy X Storm Cat nick has performed wretchedly so far considering the individuals we're talking about. It's still early but it's on track to become a famous anti-nick like Buckpasser and Bold Ruler.

I had wanted to ask you what you meant by "anti-nick"? In your quote's context, I took it to mean a total flop...?

Sam · Postby **Sam** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 12:46 pm

skeenan wrote:
Sysonby wrote:The A P Indy X Storm Cat nick has performed wretchedly so far considering the individuals we're talking about. It's still early but it's on track to become a famous anti-nick like Buckpasser and Bold Ruler.

I had wanted to ask you what you meant by "anti-nick"? In your quote's context, I took it to mean a total flop...?

Can't speak for Sys, but yeah, for the most part the Buckpasser/Bold Ruler cross was a kiss of death. I'm sure they may have been one or two that developed into decent allowance horses, but most of them were DOGS. I can't even think of a single stakes performer from that nick.

FOS · Postby **FOS** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:15 am

hi guys

It's only a whisper...but a slightly louder whisper than I'd heard previously...that Hill n Dale is making a serious play for Rock.

Unlike...Rock...Scissors...Paper...everyone involved (whoever they are) seems to be playing this hand of...Rock...Hard...Ten...very quietly and close to the vest...ssshhhhhhh.

Respectfully

LSB · Postby **LSB** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:08 am

Hey FOS, I heard it's going to be Lane's End. Whoever the "winner" is going to be, they're certainly dragging this out as long as possible. :roll:

roving boy · Postby **roving boy** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 7:12 am

Walden is definitely a player, as is Lanes End and Taylor Made with WinStar.

sunday_silence · Postby **sunday_silence** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:24 am

roving boy wrote:Walden is definitely a player, as is Lanes End and Taylor Made with WinStar.

Well, much as I like Lane's End, I hope RHT ends up at Taylor Made or WinStar. I think he'd do better at a farm w/ a smaller roster. I just wish they'd hurry up and decide where he and Afleet Alex are going. Are they trying to be totally sure that neither of them get any good mares?

roving boy · Postby **roving boy** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:11 pm

Sam · Postby **Sam** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:43 pm

sunday_silence wrote:Well, much as I like Lane's End, I hope RHT ends up at Taylor Made or WinStar. I think he'd do better at a farm w/ a smaller roster. I just wish they'd hurry up and decide where he and Afleet Alex are going. Are they trying to be totally sure that neither of them get any good mares?

Trust me, they'll both get mares. Not everyone fell into the "gotta book now" trap that a lot of breeders believe in. There are more than enough breeders with good mares who DO wait until December because they know horses like these will be retiring and want to be in on the first crop. I also know more than a few who have and will break prior breeding contrats to go to something that retired in early January.

FOS · Postby **FOS** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 12:26 am

hi guys

I guess the rumors re: a $50,000 stud fee on Rock Hard Ten were correct.

Interesting that champion-to-be Saint Liam is at $50k and non-champion-to-be Rock Hard Ten are both set at $50k...and will both apparently stand at the same farm...Lane's End.

I understand that Saint Liam is a bit light of bone and has pasterns described (at least to a degree) as upright...

...and that (although HUGE in height and physical stature) Rock Hard Ten is quite the impressive one.

Hmmmmm.

Respectfully

skeenan · Postby **skeenan** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 12:10 pm

FOS wrote:...and that (although HUGE in height and physical stature) Rock Hard Ten is quite the impressive one

From a purely equine esthetics standpoint, I have to agree with you!

(I'm saying that without consideration of the other breeding issues, such as late-maturing foals, too large, stud fee "value", etc...) He is gorgeous...

I'm wondering if it won't help him in the breeding shed when people take a look at him in the flesh—if he has as much "WOW" factor as he did when I saw him on TV... :wink:

FOS · Postby **FOS** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 3:18 pm

hi skeenan

Seems like if Lane's End is standing Saint Liam (the probable eclipse Horse of the Year) for $50,000...

...AND Rock Hard Ten (a multiple G1 winner who is certain NOT to be an eclipse winner) for $50,000 also...

...I would guess that something (in the eyes of Lane's End and other RHT connections) must strongly favor Rock Hard Ten...or conversely something (in the eyes of Lane's End and other SL connections) must NOT favor Saint Liam (to the extent that he stands for $50k also...and is odds on to be named Horse of the Year).

After considering their sires...female families...race records etc...

...is it unreasonable to suggest that maybe Rock Hard Ten's connections, which now includes Lane's End, are banking on that "WOW factor" which you referenced when you wrote "I'm wondering if it won't help him in the breeding shed when people take a look at him in the flesh—if he has as much "WOW" factor as he did when I saw him on TV..."

I do agree that the WOW factor is a powerful selling tool...particularly in the world of thoroughbreds. I suggest that RHT's connections probably expect that many others that look at Rock (as a possible choice for their mares) will sign on the dotted line after they see him.

Respectfully

skeenan · Postby **skeenan** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:05 pm

Hi FOS,
Have you (or has anyone) seen Saint Liam in the flesh? I'd be interested to know how he stacks up to RHT in the "first impressions" dept... is he as powerful-looking?

FOS · Postby **FOS** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:27 pm

hi skeenan

I have not yet seen Saint Liam in the flesh...but as I indicated before...I understand that Saint Liam is a bit light of bone and has pasterns described (at least to a degree) as upright.

I look forward to seeing both Saint Liam and Rock Hard Ten...up close...

...and I too look forward to hearing what others who have seen (or heard) re: either or both retirees, have to offer.

Best to you.

Respectfully

FOS · Postby **FOS** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:31 pm

hi guys

In a Lane's End press release (dated Dec 9,2005) re: Rock Hard Ten...it is written that ...Gary Stevens was quoted as saying "he's the best horse I ever sat on."

Press Release

Thoughts?

Respectfully