Hardtohock Leads John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge Qualifiers

Hardtohock broke his maiden with a decisive 2 1/4-length victory Tuesday, posting the fastest qualifying time from four trials for the $30,000-added John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge at Will Rogers Downs.

The 10 fastest qualifiers from the 350-yard trials will return for the final on October 4.

Ridden by Juan Pulido, Hardtohock took command during the third trial (race 6) and drew clear during the final 110 yards. The bay gelding completed the distance in :17.693.

Samuel Mendoza trains Hardtohock for owner Marisol Alvarado. Bred in Oklahoma by Louis A. Malechek III, the son of leading sire Kiss My Hocks is out of the Foose mare Hardtoget. Hardtohock was a $50,000 purchase at the 2025 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

Tuesday's victory was his first from four starts. He has also placed second once and earned $8,085.

Biggie Small recorded the second-fastest qualifying time after winning the fourth trial (race 7) by one length in :17.816. Roman Cruz rode the gelding, who broke on top and maintained his advantage throughout.

Jesus Ruben Ruiz conditions Biggie Small for owners Jorge A. Brito and Francisco Soto. Copper Spring Ranch NM LLC bred the New Mexico-bred son of Jet Black Patriot from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Pull Toy. He sold for $9,700 at the 2025 Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale.

Biggie Small also earned his first career victory Tuesday. He has made five starts and earned $4,512.

Royal Bloodline posted the third-fastest time when he surged late to capture the first trial (race 4) by a neck in :17.844. Roman Cruz also rode the bay gelding, who responded during the final 110 yards and held off Bv Wanta B A Cowboy.

Samuel E. Valdivia trains Royal Bloodline for owner Julio Contreras. Bred in Oklahoma by Jose M. Mendoza, the gelding is by FDD Dynasty and out of the Corona Cartel mare Royal Wicked Witch. Royal Bloodline was purchased for $26,000 at the 2025 Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

A winner of three of seven starts, Royal Bloodline has earned $32,289. His earlier victories include the Fair Meadows Juvenile Stakes.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

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