Hard Aces sold, joins Sadler

Hard Aces was to be scratched from the Mineshaft Handicap on Saturday because a private purchase that appeared to have fallen through was completed this week.

The 5-year-old Hard Aces, who won his first stakes last month in the Louisiana Handicap, was purchased as a prospect for the Santa Anita Handicap and will be turned over to trainer John Sadler, according to trainer Larry Jones, whose stable he is leaving. Hard Aces departs Tuesday for California, but Jones said Sadler asked him to work the horse Sunday before his departure.