Lava Man is magnificent
OK, I've picked against Lava Man twice this year now and both times been burned, the most recent being in today's Pacific Classic. No more. I knew he was a tremendous race horse before today, but he convinced me today that he's one of the best we've seen around these parts in quite some time.
There is no doubt that Lava Man has to be a heavy favorite for Horse of the Year at this point of the season. The only question is how he will ship for the Breeders' Cup Classic. He has not been a good shipper in the past, but then he's never been this good. And give Corey Nakatani kudos for a great ride today. He was hooked by Preachinatthebar the whole way and then kicked clear and won easily. Also, credit goes to the owners and trainer Doug O'Neill, who have not abused this horse. They've spaced his races apart enough that they still have a fresh horse.
Me too! I foolishly backed Giacomo who I really thought would run well yesterday but he just never kicked it in. I think the main reason Lava Man doesn't get the credit he's due could come from the fact that he's a former claimer?