hollywood gold cup

[Tucumcari]

who's you pick?

mine's the "dark horse" Magnum

[UmmYeah]

I'm not sure the clear second choice behind the clear favorite can quite qualify as the "dark horse," but I like Magnum as well. For second. I just don't think that there's anyone in that race that will be able to run out with Lava Man. He should be able to run his race, dictate the pace, and win.

[Tucumcari]

uh... sorry. My reference to dark horse was actually more of a reference to his dark, black really, color... not that he is the "dark horse"... persay, exactly... you know...?

[louis finochio]

Lava Man was claimed for $50,000 by Doug O'Niel and has paid his claim price many times over.

I will call Lava Man the new john Henry on the block.

[Barbaro06]

That was a sweet race today...Lava Man proved his mettle today and got the head bob for the win!!!

[jagger]

With a GSV of 57 something and 10 ( ) dosage points, he must drive George to drink.

[jellac]

I so wanted LAVA MAN to win....and win he did...though he gave me a real scare b/c the guys on TV seemed to think he'd lost the head bob. What a race - it will take a lot out of him (heck - it took a lot out of me just watching from my kitchen in Big H, Texas) but gives him a lot of credit due for vesatility, class and sheer will to succeed....

[austique]

I repeat again... I love this horse.

[Sysonby]

I was there on Saturday. In the paddock, Lava Man looked as good as a horse can look and he seemed incredibly focussed.

Impressive.

[zinn21]

I feel bad for Lonnie Arterburn the breeder. He was a solid trainer for many years on the NorCal circuit. I know the breeders awards must soften the blow but to loose a horse you bred/trained that goes on to win the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup twice and a grade one on the grass must be crushing.

An interesting note-Lava Man was on his toes and very sharp in post parade last Saturday and acted nearly identical to Native Diver in post parade for his third Gold Cup in 1967. Both being dark bay-I could almost feel the Diver's presence.

[horsenuts]

I feel bad for Lonnie Arterburn the breeder. He was a solid trainer for many years on the NorCal circuit. I know the breeders awards must soften the blow but to loose a horse you bred/trained that goes on to win the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup twice and a grade one on the grass must be crushing.

An interesting note-Lava Man was on his toes and very sharp in post parade last Saturday and acted nearly identical to Native Diver in post parade for his third Gold Cup in 1967. Both being dark bay-I could almost feel the Diver's presence.

Horseracing can be the cruelest of games and often is for the participants. Few if any trainer/owner has not had a horse "get away from him/her" that goes on to perform at a VERY high level. The list is long and endless going back to HoFer "Sunny Jim" Fitzimmons running Seabiscuit numerous times for $2,500 before selling him for $8,000(a decent price back in the day) but a BARGAIN based on what the 'Biscuit would go on to do. Stymie was claimed for $2,500 one of the greatest claims in the history of the sport. Many a horse "could" have been claimed who would go on to greatness i.e John Henry and Charasmatic among many others. John Henry's exploits were devastating to a young trainer in Louisiana who had the horse for numerous starts but with limited success. He was truly devastated when JH went on to become one of the most adored legends in racing history while piling up $6+ million in earnings. I truly feel bad for anyone who has had this fate befall them as it is a very haunting experience. The "how could I miss it or been so wrong" is very hard to live with.

You mentioned the former connections of Lava Man and I can certainly empathize with them. Hard to believe that LM made his first start for Maiden Claim $12,500 at Stockton and ran 4th. Fast forward to what he has done the past 2-3 years and it's as if LM was "born again" so to speak. Horses are always changing throughout their careers with most losing their edge as time passes but a fair number improve with a FEW improving dramatically to the point of "can you believe it". Lava Man is the latest such example. Amazing.

[Political Web]

I actually had Ace Blue to place in this race and he damn near pulled off the win. That would have been one heck of an upset.

Anyone know when Lava Man is running next and where?

I've heard at Del Mar on August 20th. Has anybody heard the same or any different. I want to check him out before he heads to the Breeder's Cup.