Sadler keeping options open with Higher Power

DEL MAR, Calif. – He had no more runners left at the meet, but trainer John Sadler was still busy wrapping up things at Del Mar on Monday morning, looking to the future with his Pacific Classic winner Higher Power, who worked a half-mile in 48.80 seconds prior to a scheduled departure for Santa Anita in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Higher Power’s next start will be at Santa Anita, but whether it comes in the Awesome Again on Sept. 28 or the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 2 remains to be seen. Higher Power earned a fees-paid berth to the Classic with his victory in the Pacific Classic.

“He’s already in,” Sadler said. “All our options are open, either the Awesome Again or just training him up to the Breeders’ Cup. It’ll depend on spacing, how he’s training. He ran a big number in his last race.”

Sadler said he wanted to get a work into Higher Power before leaving here to take advantage of the mild temperatures at the beach as opposed to the heat awaiting inland.

“It’s going to be hot up there,” he said.