Hard Aces picks up Talamo for BC Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. – Joe Talamo will ride the longshot Hard Aces in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Oct. 31, trainer John Sadler said Saturday.

Sadler was in need of a rider for Hard Aces, a Grade 1 winner in June, after jockey Victor Espinoza committed to riding Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Talamo was a leading choice for Sadler because of their recent success together. Earlier this month, Talamo rode the Sadler-trained Ben’s Duchess to a win in the LA Woman Stakes, a prep for the BC Filly and Mare Sprint at Keeneland.

“I like the way he’s ridden my horses at this meeting,” Sadler said.

On Saturday, Hard Aces worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 under an exercise rider. Hard Aces was urged through the stretch, receiving a few cracks of the whip in the final furlong. Sadler timed Hard Aces in 1:00.60. Talamo is expected to ride Hard Aces in his final workout next week at Santa Anita.

Owned by Pete and Kosta Hronis, Hard Aces earned a fees-paid berth to the BC Classic with a win in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita in June, his most recent victory. Hard Aces was sixth in the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes behind Smooth Roller here Sept. 26.

Sadler acknowledged Saturday that Hard Aces will be a longshot in the BC Classic.

“I like to see him get a piece of it,” he said.

Also on Saturday, the Sadler-trained Stellar Wind worked seven furlongs in 1:27.20, preparing for the BC Distaff on Oct. 30. Stellar Wind worked in company with stablemate Scooter Bird, who was timed in 1:29.40.

Sadler timed Stellar Wind in 1:26.80. She will be ridden by Espinoza, who was aboard for the workout.

Smooth Roller, who has improved rapidly in recent starts, worked five furlongs in 1:01 under jockey Tyler Baze. Smooth Roller worked alone and was not urged during the workout.

“He’s ready,” Baze said.

Trainer Victor Garcia timed Smooth Roller galloping out seven furlongs in 1:27 and a mile in 1:41. The 4-year-old is scheduled to be sent Monday to Kentucky and will have his final workout for the BC Classic at Keeneland. Smooth Roller earned a fees-paid berth to the BC Classic with his win in the Awesome Again Stakes.

“He’s getting more mature and more experienced,” Garcia said. “He’s learning.”

Three Southern California-based hopefuls for the BC Sprint worked Saturday. Wild Dude, winner of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Oct. 3, worked five furlongs in 1:02.40. Kobe’s Back, second in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship, worked a half-mile in 47.80.

Big Macher, winner of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar in 2014, worked six furlongs in 1:14.60.