Lava Man owner adds fuel to the fire
 

Exactamundo. He's got the right attitude. Can't wait to see Lava Man back it up in the BCC.

Lava Man is my pick. I'll either crow or take heat for it after the race but I gotta take a stand against Bern.

Lava Man will finish on the board IMO...

Call me crazy but I don't think Lava will have a problem shipping this time. He's a completely different animal than the one we saw last year.

Either Lava Man wins it, or he is going to be off the board. JMO. I think he is going to either be awesome or not show up.

Now I am not bashing him, because ya know I love me some gutsy geldings. Just stating my opinion.

The problem I have with Lava Man is that he basically needs to be on the lead. I find it hard that he will be able to go 1 1/4 while holding off Bernardini and Invasor. He may do it, but I dont think he will.

I wouldnt say he has shown the ability to stalk. I have seem him press the pace, but I dont think he is the stalking type. Either way, I am with you he gets beat on BC.

He's exactly right, and it won't happen again on Nov. 4 because Lava Man won't make it to Bernardini's flank before its lights out, gracie...;)

Like most tracks CD has it lightening fast on big days, I see this as an advantage to LM:

I think LM goes out from through modest fractions, can anyone tell me a confirmed front runner going in the Classic, there may be one, but I don't think so... I see him getting 6f in 1:12, Bernardini will run at him on the turn, LM will kick in and then we'll see what Bernardini is made of...I don't think Invasior or Sun King will be factors other than 2nd and 3rd...

Well Lawyer Ron might be on the lead.

I don't see LR running, I really don't, smart thing would be to wait until the Clark...If he does run, I don't think he'll be out there winging it...

If Lawyer Ron and Ball 4 go, there's legitimate pace pressure there. It all depeneds if Lava can get alone on the lead and slow it down enough... even if he can, going a mile and 1/4 is gonna be too long to hold off the closers. He's a bet against for me, but if any horse breaks up my picks, I want it to be him.

Lava Man-->has beaten nobody of substance
Bernardini-->has also beaten nobody of substance

This will be a yawn of a BCC, going to Bernardini.

I disagree. The Classic will be the best race of the year. We are all waiting to see the match up and hope that everybody shows up on their game.

This is just my opinion, but what Lava man has been doing is beating his inferior comptetion with best turn times, pulling away in turn two. He has not yet been pressured in turn two. He was hanging late in the last two races but the competition was so inferior no one was coming to him. Doubt the same tactics win the Classic.

NC Tony

Good analysis

Will be interesting to see the pace in here and I'm sensing a lack of it. Bright One was ready to run, but the egg he layed in the Indiana Derby have nixed that plan. Lawyer Ron was rank for Holthus, but who knows if Pletcher can turn him around or if he's even going here. Biancone mentioned Ball Four for the race, but that seems unlikely to me considering its not on the poly and longer than a Grand Slam probably wants to go. Perhaps Zito will run Wanderin Boy to help set up for Sun King even though that one had nothing for 'Dini in the JCGC. Brother Derek has proven that he doesnt need the lead as has Premium Tap (who'd need to supplement) so I think pace is in Lava Man's factor but my boy Dini should roll!!!!!

Once again, you all forgot the winner... Perfect Drift. When will you learn? :p :D