It was a reminder that there are few things in sports that create edge-of-the-seat anticipation like a Beckham free kick -- and it was a preview of local coming attractions by the international star due to join the Los Angeles Galaxy in mid-July. Beckham's 68th-minute free kick from 30 yards out on the right side found John Terry's head at the left post and the England captain nodded it home. It was the last of about half a dozen times that he lined up for a dangerous free kick and the Fox Soccer Channel's British announcer said a variation of, "This could be the moment for David Beckham!"

The Guardian's minute-by-minute blogger called it a 7.5-out-of-10 performance and said Beckham was "England's best player by some distance," meaning best in this game. In case you think the Galaxy is getting an out-of-shape oldtimer, Beckham looked very fit today. Now, if the Galaxy can merely get somebody like John Terry to run on to the end of Becks' kicks.

That was persuasive to a man who had gone to work in the local racetrack press boxes practically every day since 1955.

Cambianica died Saturday night at Arcadia Convalescent Center after a brief battle with cancer. His last visit to Santa Anita had been Wednesday, when the fifth race was named in his honor. He had announced plans to retire closing day of the Santa Anita season, which was Sunday.

Kurt Vonnegut did it.

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.

7 Lava Man (124), Corey Nakatani, 4-5
If he runs as he has in his last eight starts in-state, it's hard to see how he loses
8 Arson Squad (117), Garrett Gomez, 9-2
Strub Stakes winner gets better as the races get longer, and has the leading rider
1 Awesome Gem (116), Tyler Baze, 10-1
San Fernando winner can resume rapid improvement at a price after Strub flop

Among non-players, the late Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley (44.4) and former Dodgers and Angels general manager Buzzie Bavasi (37.0) were among the top four -- but here, too, nobody hit the magic number.

Since their eligibility for the writers' ballot expired long ago, Wills, Newcombe and fans of the late Hodges have anticipated this day each year with the hope the Dodgers greats will be honored.

Wait 'til next year?

Furyk is No. 2 in the official world rankings, and Whatsisname isn’t here.

More important, Furyk has three qualities that most recent Nissan Open winners have shared: he’s experienced (rather than a young phenom), he’s accurate off the tee (instead of a long driver), and he’s in good form (not just a big name).

Here's the entire line from my play-by-play notes about the incident that led to Kobe Bryant's suspension by the NBA for one game without pay, Tuesday night's game at New York, costing the guard six figures in salary:

(2.7) / x24 bx20
OT

Writing sports, I'm always around people who are in to win. I notice that unless they're underdogs desperate to be taken seriously, they never need to point it out. So why does a politician with far more than an Orange Bowl at stake, one favored in the polls to win her party's nomination, punctuate her presidential candidacy kickoff by stating the obvious?