Hard Aces led home a Hard Spun-sired exacta in the G3 Tokyo City Cup at Santa Anita when he put away rival Big John B to win by a hard-fought neck.
Settled in fifth early – just in front of late-running Big John B – Hard Aces began to make his move on the far turn, closing strongly while racing four-wide. Big John B was also on the move, and the sons of Hard Spun moved in tandem, quickly reeling in leader Hi Happy as the field entered the homestretch. Through the stretch the three battled gamely, with Hard Aces finally putting his two rivals away nearing the wire to claim the victory.
Bred in Kentucky by Dreamchaser Thorobreds, Hard Aces is out of the winning Quiet American mare, All In With Aces. His second dam is Aces (by Housebuster), winner of the Listed Astoria Stakes.
Hard Spun is off to a strong start in 2017, having already sired six Stakes winners. In addition to Hard Aces, Hard Spun is the sire of Le Romain (G1 Canterbury BMW Stakes, G3 Southern Cross Stakes), Promising Run (G2 Al Rashidiya), Nomorerichblondes (G3 UAE Oaks), Taghleeb (G3 W.L. McKnight), and Gatting (Melvista Stakes).
Hard Spun is standing the 2017 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $45,000 stands and nurses.
