Lava Man

[Slewstoo]

I thought Lava Man ran a hell of a race on Sunday and has proven himself to be at the top of the handicap division. I don't care if he's only run in California this year or not, look at his resume it speaks for itself. Granted, I want to see him take on the best horses that the east has to offer but I still think the HOY title is his to lose.

Also, I'm a huge Sun King fan, but when did he all of the sudden become one of the top handicap horses in the division? I think he's been improving at a steady click ever since his Keeneland effort, but he has alot to do before he's amongst the top 3 or so older horses. Having said that, he's my pick in the Woodward.

[Gander]

Thats basically what I said. Everybody is really quick to denote the east coast contingent as the horses to beat. Doesnt matter what year it is, its always just assumed that the best horses are always in the east and I couldnt disagree more this year. Its not like there are 3-4 monsters in the east that the connections of Lava Man have been shrewdly avoiding. I dont think Doug O" Neill is going too far out of his way to shy away from Sun King and Flower Alley! Invasor is a pretty nice racehorse but you have to admit it didnt hurt to have Sun King as the one to hold off at the wire and not a horse who likes to go by. Hes about one more of those races away from becoming Perfect Drift.

[Slewstoo]

Originally Posted by Gander

Thats basically what I said. Everybody is really quick to denote the east coast contingent as the horses to beat. Doesnt matter what year it is, its always just assumed that the best horses are always in the east and I couldnt disagree more this year. Its not like there are 3-4 monsters in the east that the connections of Lava Man have been shrewdly avoiding. I dont think Doug O" Neill is going too far out of his way to shy away from Sun King and Flower Alley! Invasor is a pretty nice racehorse but you have to admit it didnt hurt to have Sun King as the one to hold off at the wire and not a horse who likes to go by. Hes about one more of those races away from becoming Perfect Drift.

And like Perfect Drift he just continues to pick up those paychecks for Farmer, but it's a good comparison. He'll eventually get that elusive G1 than most likely be retired with some mysterious injury, even though he's one of the few that have been completely sound throughout his career.