Lava Man is California's horse -- not Dubai's
Lava Man had to win the $3 million race called the Dubai Duty Free in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday to vindicate his owners' decision to send California's most popular thoroughbred halfway around the globe and put at risk a potentially historic campaign at home.
But after dueling for the lead for most of the race, Lava Man threw in the towel at the top of the long stretch on the Nad al Sheba turf course and finished 16th and last behind winner Admire Moon.
Said jockey Corey Nakatani: "With about 3 1/2 furlongs left to run he said, ‘I’ve had enough,’ and that is just not him. It is disappointing.”
Instead of winning for the first time outside of California, Lava Man ran -- if you call that running -- his out-of-state mark to 0-5.
Worst of all, he caved in against top-class horses, following his pattern on the road, where he has never been better than seventh.
So, actually, on his worst days, Lava Man has said "I've had enough" before.
Meanwhile, in California, the 6-year-old gelding trained by Doug O'Neill has won nine races in a row, including two Santa Anita Handicaps, his second Hollywood Gold Cup and a Pacific Classic.
The arduous trip to the rich race in Dubai could require a several-months recovery and cost Lava Man a shot at a record-tying third straight Hollywood Gold Cup in June.
In the biggest race on the Dubai card, 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor (Fernando Jara riding) pulled away from Premium Tap to win the $6 million Dubai World Cup. Discreet Cat, expected to challenge Invasor, finished last for his first defeat.
O'Neill did win earlier with Spring at Last (Garrett Gomez) in the $1 million Godolphin Mile. But that's little consolation for Lava Man's flop.