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BloodHorse.com Articles for "Ap Xcellent"

Lava Man 'Fantastic' for Goodwood Return

Lava Man 'Fantastic' for Goodwood Return

Well beaten in the Pacific Classic last time out, California star Lava Man has an opportunity to prove he's as good as ever when he takes on nine rivals in the $500,000 Goodwood Breeders' Cup (gr. I) at Oak Tree's Santa Anita meeting Sept. 29.

 Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Shirreff's Classic Posse Includes Tiago, A.P. Xcellent

Shirreff's Classic Posse Includes Tiago, A.P. Xcellent

Among the 12 rivals entered against Lava Man in the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) Aug. 19, several could undoubtedly be considered from barns that are taking a shot, perhaps because their horse has shown an affinity for Del Mar's Polytrack or because they believe the California champion is vulnerable. That's not the case for trainer John Shirreffs, who heads into the 1 1/4-mile event with a one-two punch.

 Friday, August 17, 2007
Big Field Awaits Lava Man in Pacific Classic

Big Field Awaits Lava Man in Pacific Classic

Lava Man and A.P. Xcellent, who staged a dramatic Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) stretch duel won by the California star by a nose on June 30, are among 13 horses entered in the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 19.

 Wednesday, August 15, 2007

23 Nominated for Pacific Classic Aug. 19

Twenty-three horses were nominated -- with 13 considered likely -- for the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at 1 1/4 miles on the Del Mar Polytrack Aug. 19, including defending champion Lava Man.

 Friday, August 10, 2007

Lava Man Gets 124 in Quest for Third Gold Cup

Lava Man, who can match legendary Native Diver with a third consecutive victory in the $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (gr. I) June 30, has been assigned high weight of 124 pounds for the 1 1/4-mile classic.

 Sunday, June 24, 2007

Buzzards Bay Scratches Out Californian Win

Favorite Buzzards Bay, under strong urging from jockey Jose Valdivia Jr., gamely held off the late charging 25-1 shot Sun Boat to win the $250,000 Californian (gr. II) by a nose on the Cushion Track Saturday at Hollywood Park.

 Saturday, June 02, 2007

One Off Part of Drysdale Duo in San Luis Rey

Journeyman Brice Blanc, building a reputation as a premier turf rider in Southern California, could find himself on the favorite, One Off, for trainer Neil Drysdale Saturday in the $200,000 San Luis Rey Handicap (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita.

 Thursday, March 22, 2007

Drysdale Duo Formidable in San Luis Obispo

Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale holds a heavy hand in Santa Anita's $150,000 San Luis Obispo Handicap (gr. IIT) on Sunday when he saddles co-high weights Obrigado and One Off in the 1 1/2-mile early season turf distance test.

 Friday, February 23, 2007

Brother Derek, Arson Squad Swap Riders for 'Fernando

Likely favorites Brother Derek and Arson Squad will switch riders for Saturday's $200,000 San Fernando Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) for 4-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles.

 Thursday, January 11, 2007