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Lava Man (CA)

8yo Dark Bay or Brown Gelding

Trainer: Doug F. O'Neill
Jockey: Tyler Baze
Owner: STD Racing Stable or Wood
Breeder: Lonnie Arterburn, Eve Kuhlmann & Kim Kuhlmann
Lava Man Slew City Slew Seattle Slew
Weber City Miss
Li'l Ms. Leonard Nostalgia's Star
Pink Native
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O'Neill Hoping Lava Man Returns at Hollywood

O'Neill Hoping Lava Man Returns at Hollywood

Trainer Doug O'Neill says the venerable Lava Man, working out at Hollywood Park since September, is nearing his return to the races. Thursday, November 12, 2009
Lava Man Back on Work Tab for Doug O'Neill

Lava Man Back on Work Tab for Doug O'Neill

Lava Man, the former claimer who earned more than $5 million, has returned to training at Doug O'Neill's Hollywood Park barn. The 8-year-old gelding worked three furlongs in :36 flat Sept. 23 at Hollywood, his first official work. Thursday, September 24, 2009
Einstein Seeks History in Stephen Foster

Einstein Seeks History in Stephen Foster

Einstein, a leading candidate for 2009 Horse of the Year midway through the season, will try to make history by becoming the first horse to win grade I events on dirt, turf and synthetics in the same year in the $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) June 13 at Churchill Downs. Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Einstein Among Probables For Stephen Foster

Einstein Among Probables For Stephen Foster

Midnight Cry Stable's Einstein, runner-up to Curlin in last year's Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I), topped a list of 20 nominees for this year's renewal, which will be run June 13 at Churchill Downs. Thursday, June 04, 2009
Lava Man to Lead Cal Cup Classic Parade

Lava Man to Lead Cal Cup Classic Parade

Lava Man, one of the all-time great California breds who was retired in July with earnings of $5,268,706, will lead the parade to the post for the $250,000 California Cup Classic at Oak Tree on Oct. 5. Saturday, October 04, 2008
And They're Off: Sept 24 (Video)

And They're Off: Sept 24 (Video)

Hosted by Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin, "And They're Off" is a bi-monthly online video series sponsored by Darby Dan Farm. This week's topics include European Breeders' Cup Classic prospects, Big Brown's run in the Monmouth Stakes, and more. Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Lava Man to Reside at Old Friends

Lava Man to Reside at Old Friends

A jubilant Michael Blowen announced Thursday that Lava Man, one of the great geldings of all time, is scheduled to arrive at Old Friends on Sept. 16, where he will live out the rest of his days. Thursday, September 04, 2008
And They're Off: At Saratoga (Video)

And They're Off: At Saratoga (Video)

Hosted by Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin, "And They're Off" is a bi-monthly online video series sponsored by Darby Dan Farm. This week's topics include Big Brown, an interview with Kenny McPeek, the Hall of Fame, and Lava Man. Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Quiet Mood at Lava Man's Former Stable

Quiet Mood at Lava Man's Former Stable

Two key men in Doug O'Neill's Del Mar barn were saddened by the announcement that seven-time grade I winner Lava Man won't be coming to the barn anymore. Thursday, July 31, 2008
Lava Man Retired After Stellar Career

Lava Man Retired After Stellar Career

Lava Man, a seven-time grade I-winner and earner of $5,268,706, has been retired. Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Lava Man's Racing Career Up in the Air

Lava Man's Racing Career Up in the Air

There's a good chance Lava Man may have raced for the last time in the July 20 Eddie Read Handicap (gr. IT) at Del Mar. Monday, July 21, 2008
Lava Man Faces Six Rivals in Eddie Read

Lava Man Faces Six Rivals in Eddie Read

Following his best effort since capturing the 2007 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), seven-time grade I winner Lava Man faces six well matched rivals in the $400,000 Eddie Read Handicap (gr. IT) on the Del Mar turf course July 20. Thursday, July 17, 2008
Lava Man to Skip Record Gold Cup Attempt

Lava Man to Skip Record Gold Cup Attempt

Lava Man, who tied Native Diver's record of three straight Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) victories last year, won't be going for a fourth one on June 28. Sunday, June 22, 2008
Artiste Royal Holds on in Whittingham

Artiste Royal Holds on in Whittingham

Artiste Royal, who had only one win in 13 lifetime starts on U.S. soil, broke through with a gutsy effort in the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. IT) June 7 at Hollywood Park, holding off a trio of horses in the final yards to score by a neck under David Flores. Saturday, June 07, 2008
Champs Elysees, Lava Man Top Whittingham

Champs Elysees, Lava Man Top Whittingham

Beaten by a nose as the 2-5 favorite in the Jim Murray Memorial Handicap (gr. IIT) one month ago, Champs Elysees tries to atone in the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. IT) on the Hollywood Park turf course June 7. Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Mr. Wolverine Crashes Lava Man's Party

Mr. Wolverine Crashes Lava Man's Party

Mr. Wolverine spoiled the return of California star Lava Man in the $150,000 TVG Khaled Stakes April 27, getting control at the eighth pole and ambling to a 1 3/4-length victory at Hollywood Park. Sunday, April 27, 2008
Lava Man's Comeback Tops Gold Rush Card

Lava Man's Comeback Tops Gold Rush Card

The return of three-time Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) winner Lava Man and a 13-horse field in the richest event of the day, the $250,000 Cal National Snow Chief Stakes, highlights the $1.3-million Cal National Gold Rush program at Hollywood Park April 27. Friday, April 25, 2008
Final Season for Hollywood Park?

Final Season for Hollywood Park?

Hollywood Park may be celebrating its 70th anniversary season, but the question remains, will the Southern California track be around in 2009 for its 71st? "I just don't know -- nobody knows," said F. Jack Liebau, Hollywood Park president, on opening day, April 23. Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Lava Man Working Toward 2008 Debut

Lava Man Working Toward 2008 Debut

Lava Man, probably the most popular Thoroughbred to race in California during this decade, had his final workout April 20 in preparation for his scheduled 2008 debut in the $150,000 TVG Khaled Stakes April 27 at Hollywood Park. Monday, April 21, 2008
Groom's Return Helps Lava Man Prepare

Groom's Return Helps Lava Man Prepare

Three-time Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) winner Lava Man, recently reunited with his favorite groom, Noe Garcia, seems back to being his old self, trainer Doug O'Neill says. The 7-year-old is due to return to competition April 27 at Hollywood Park. Friday, April 18, 2008
Lava Man on Schedule for Khaled Stakes

Lava Man on Schedule for Khaled Stakes

Lava Man, who worked six furlongs under regular exercise rider Tony Romero in 1:14 2/5 at Hollywood Park April 5, is "on target" to make his 2008 debut in the $150,000 Khaled Stakes April 27, according to trainer Doug O'Neill. Monday, April 07, 2008
Lava Man Works Three Furlongs

Lava Man Works Three Furlongs

Lava Man, who is gearing up for a 2008 campaign to add to his career earnings of $5,214,706, had his first recorded workout of the year at Hollywood Park Wednesday morning, March 12, for trainer Doug O'Neill. Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Lava Man Set for Return to Racetrack

Lava Man is scheduled to have his first workout of the year the morning of March 12 at Hollywood Park, according to trainer Doug O'Neill. Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Workout Slated for Lava Man Wednesday

Workout Slated for Lava Man Wednesday

Lava Man is scheduled to have his first workout of 2008 Wednesday morning at Hollywood Park, according to trainer Doug O'Neill. Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Spring At Last Preparing for Dubai

Spring At Last Preparing for Dubai

It is all systems go for a trip to Dubai by Spring At Last, who worked an easy four furlongs in :50 1/5 at Hollywood Park Feb. 25 for trainer Doug O'Neill. Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Nashoba's Key Horse of Year in CA

Nashoba's Key Horse of Year in CA

Multiple grade I winner Nashoba's Key was named California-bred Horse of the Year for 2007 during the Feb. 18 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association's (CTBA) annual meeting and awards dinner at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa in Pasadena, Calif. Tuesday, February 19, 2008
HRTV: Inside Information - 2/4/08

HRTV: Inside Information - 2/4/08

Inside Information features Lava Man, trainer Wally Dollase and private clockers. Monday, February 04, 2008
Lava Man Back for 2008 Campaign

Lava Man Back for 2008 Campaign

Lava Man is back at the Doug O'Neill barn at Hollywood Park to prepare for a 2008 campaign. Saturday, February 02, 2008
Lava Man DVD to Benefit Noe Garcia

Lava Man DVD to Benefit Noe Garcia

Lava Man DVDs are on sale at Hollywood Park for $10, with all proceeds going to the family of groom Noe Garcia, who had his left arm severed in a car accident in August. Sunday, December 09, 2007
Bold Chieftain Conquers Cal Cup Classic; Lava Man 6th Again

Bold Chieftain Conquers Cal Cup Classic; Lava Man 6th Again

A change in strategy by trainer William Morey Jr. and jockey Russell Baze helped propel the 4-year-old Bold Chieftain to the biggest win of his career in Oak Tree's $250,000 California Cup Classic at Santa Anita Nov. 3. It was another disappointing outcome for favored Lava Man, who faded in the stretch to finish off the board. Saturday, November 03, 2007
Will Lava Man Finally Get Hot in California Cup Classic?

Will Lava Man Finally Get Hot in California Cup Classic?

Despite struggling in his last two starts, Lava Man seems a clear standout against fellow state-breds in Oak Tree's $250,000 California Cup Classic presented by Smith Barney at Santa Anita Nov. 3. Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Aircraft Mechanic Ponce Receives White Horse Award

Aircraft Mechanic Ponce Receives White Horse Award

Navy Aircraft Mechanic first class Johnny Arrendondo Ponce became the first non-track worker to win the Race Track Chaplaincy of America's White Horse Award when it was presented Oct. 25 at the Taylor Made Stallions' White Horse Heroes Luncheon at Monmouth Park. Thursday, October 25, 2007

Lava Man to Make Next Start in California Cup Classic

No longer under consideration for the Breeders' Cup after his last-place finish in the Oak Tree Mile (gr. IIT) a week ago, Lava Man is being pointed to the $250,000 California Cup Classic at Santa Anita Nov. 3. Sunday, October 14, 2007
Out of Control Spins Surprise in Oak Tree Mile; Lava Man Last

Out of Control Spins Surprise in Oak Tree Mile; Lava Man Last

The Brazilian-bred Out of Control stole the spotlight from Lava Man and Surf Cat in Oak Tree's $252,000 Oak Tree Mile (gr. IIT) with a heart-pounding nose victory over Zann at Santa Anita Park Oct. 7. Sunday, October 07, 2007

Driver Who Severed Arm of Lava Man's Groom Gets 5 Years

The drunken driver who caused a crash that severed the arm of a groom for Lava Man, the richest claiming horse in Thoroughbred racing history, was sentenced Oct. 4 to five years in state prison. Friday, October 05, 2007
Oak Tree Mile: Surf Cat Tackles Lava Man in Turf Debut

Oak Tree Mile: Surf Cat Tackles Lava Man in Turf Debut

Multiple grade II winner Surf Cat makes his turf racing debut Oct. 7 for trainer Bruce Headley when he tackles Lava Man and four others in the $250,000 Oak Tree Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita. Thursday, October 04, 2007
Lava Man Withdrawn from Goodwood

Lava Man Withdrawn from Goodwood

Morning Line favorite Lava Man was withdrawn from Saturday's $500,000 Goodwood (gr. I) at Santa Anita by trainer Doug O'Neill. The California star is expected to run in the $250,000 Oak Tree Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. II) on grass Oct. 7. Saturday, September 29, 2007
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

Santa Anita Unveils Cushion Track with Oak Tree Meet Sept. 26

Santa Anita racetrack will unveil racing over the Cushion Track surface Sept. 26 when the Oak Tree Racing Association begins its 39th season. Friday, September 21, 2007

O'Neill Comes Full Circle to Saddle 1,000th Winner

He's saddled starters in several different countries, hoisted trophies at tracks from Santa Anita to Belmont Park, and trained champion horses to victory in the world's top races, but trainer Doug O'Neill came full circle at a bullring track Sept. 9 when he saddled the 1,000th winner of his career during Fairplex Park's 16-day meet. Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: Classic Picture Looking Bright

Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: Classic Picture Looking Bright

A long-range look at how the Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (gr. I) is shaping up, ranked in order, and with the latest odds in the Wynn Las Vegas Race Book. Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Student Council Crashes Pacific Classic Party

Student Council Crashes Pacific Classic Party

In a sign of the times, a Midwest also-ran with a liking for Polytrack came west to win the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 19. Student Council, purchased recently by Ro Parra's Millennium Farms to run in the 1 1/4-mile test, vanquished Lava Man and upset a large field at odds of 23-1 at Del Mar. Monday, August 20, 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

Lava Man (5-2) Draws Rail in Pacific Classic

Defending champion Lava Man drew the rail as the 5-2 morning line favorite for the $1-million Pacific Classic Sunday. Thursday, August 16, 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
Lava Man Could Stir Up Emotions at Del Mar

Lava Man Could Stir Up Emotions at Del Mar

Emotions are sure to run high when Lava Man attempts to defend his title in the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 19. Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Lava Man Gets P.M. Drill for Pacific Classic

Defending Pacific Classic (gr. I) champion Lava Man had his final major prep for the $1 million test on Aug. 19 when he breezed six furlongs before the first race Saturday in 1:14 4/5 over Del Mar's Polytrack surface. Saturday, August 11, 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 Breezes 5 Furlongs for Pacific

Lava Man Breezes 5 Furlongs for Pacific

Lava Man moved a step closer to defending his 2006 Pacific Classic (gr. I) title with a five-furlong workout in 1:01 2/5 the morning of Aug. 3 on Del Mar's Polytrack. Friday, August 03, 2007

Poker Tourney to Benefit Lava Man Groom Garcia

A poker tournament will be held at the Del Mar Hilton Aug. 16 to benefit Noe Garcia, the groom for Lava Man who was seriously injured in an automobile collision July 23 near the racetrack. Thursday, August 02, 2007

Lava Man's Groom Improving After Accident

Noe Garcia, longtime groom to Lava Man who lost his left arm in a serious automobile accident in the early morning hours July 23, is making progress at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wagering Records Topped at Hollywood Park Meet

Wagering Records Topped at Hollywood Park Meet

Hollywood Park closed its 63-day spring meet July 15 with a record average in all-sources handle, fueled by increases in on-track and advance deposit wagering, the Inglewood, Calif. racetrack reported. Monday, July 16, 2007
Steve Haskin Commentary: Lava Man a Treasure to be Shared

Steve Haskin Commentary: Lava Man a Treasure to be Shared

We all know about Lava Man's dislike for any track east of the Sierra Madres and west of Santa Catalina. And we know his speed figures are not exactly in orbit. And we know he hasn't been beating champions in the Golden State. But Lava Man nonetheless is a true phenomenon, and America needs him badly. Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Move Over 'Diver, Make Room for Lava Man

Move Over 'Diver, Make Room for Lava Man

Favored Lava Man joined the legendary Native Diver as the only horse to win the prestigious Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) in three consecutive years when he prevailed by a nose over the gritty A. P. Xcellent in a heart-pounding stretch duel Saturday at Hollywood Park. Sunday, July 01, 2007
Lava Man Tackles 8 in Historic Gold Cup

Lava Man Tackles 8 in Historic Gold Cup

Lava Man, attempting to match legendary Native Diver with his third consecutive victory in Saturday's $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), will face eight rivals in the 1 1/4-mile classic at Hollywood Park. Thursday, June 28, 2007

Lava Man Takes Dead Aim at Native Diver's Record

Lava Man, despite six grade I victories on dirt and grass and earnings of over $4.7 million, has had his knockers, because of his inability to win, or even run well, outside of California. But, on Saturday, he will be home and attempting to make history by equaling Native Diver's record three Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) wins. Tuesday, June 26, 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

After Market Steams Past Lava Man in Whittingham

After Market took a giant step forward Saturday when he surged past odds-on choice Lava Man to win the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. IT) going away on the Hollywood Park turf. Saturday, June 09, 2007

Lava Man Seeks Whittingham Repeat

California legend Lava Man will seek to maintain his status as the West Coast's dominant older runner in the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park on Saturday. Thursday, June 07, 2007

Lava Man Gold Cup Bound; Stevie Wonderboy Comeback Delayed

Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) winner Lava Man could return to competition for the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) June 30, while quarter cracks have delayed the comeback of juvenile champion Stevie Wonderboy, trainer Doug O'Neill reported May 9. Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Lava Man to Return Home, Probably to Stay

Lava Man is scheduled to return to his Hollywood Park base Wednesday night after his trip to Dubai, and trainer Doug O'Neill said it's "reasonable to say" the gelding won't be leaving his home state again. Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Admire Moon Secures Dubai Duty Free for Japan

Japan had a strong hand going into the US$5million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I) and it was their Admire Moon, ridden by Japanese icon Yutaka Take, who landed the spoils in scintillating fashion. Saturday, March 31, 2007

Demeanor Has Lava Man's Camp Optimistic

There's a palpable feeling of optimism around the connections of Lava Man who have observed his initial gallops and overall demeanor since he arrived in Dubai last week for the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free on March 31. Tuesday, March 27, 2007

World Cup Report: McLaughlin Eyes Biggest Win

Track work at Nad Al Sheba took off with a real purpose on Tuesday morning as the international competitors were out in force in pursuit of the US$21.25million in prize-money on offer on Saturday's Dubai World Cup night extravaganza. Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Fight Night!

Just imagine the evening of March 31, as a salmon pink sunset illuminates the mosques and ultra-modern skyscrapers off in the distance. Large groups of Muslims face Mecca and kneel in prayer. The sounds of bands playing provide a festive college-like atmosphere, while people of all nationalities mingle throughout Nad al Sheba Racetrack. There is something primal about this scene, as the Sport of Kings returns to its roots for the ultimate showdown, in which the kings of the sport issue the age-old challenge, "My horse is faster than your horse." Wednesday, March 21, 2007

He's the Man

By Cynthia Biamon - And then he emerged...heading straight toward one of the world's most famous tracks and to his thousands of fans. His blinkers revealed just enough of hungry eyes, eyes that were taking in the surroundings, sizing up the competition, and readying to devour all opponents. Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Lava Man Conquers Big 'Cap Again

How amazing is Lava Man? Absolutely invincible in California over the past two seasons on turf and dirt, the 6-year-old gelding became the third horse in 70 years to win back-to-back runnings of the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) Saturday. Saturday, March 03, 2007

Lava Man Red-Hot Choice for Big 'Cap Repeat

Lava Man, the most prosperous claiming purchase in racing history, will be out to lay claim to another distinction on Saturday when the 6-year-old gelding will be an overwhelming favorite to win a second $1 million Santa Anita Handicap presented by San Manual Indian Bingo & Casino (gr. I). Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Brother Derek Out of Big 'Cap With Ankle Chip

Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Brother Derek will miss the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) due to a chip in his left ankle. Sunday, February 25, 2007

Lava Man Repeats as California Horse of the Year

Lava Man was named the 2006 California-bred Horse of the Year in voting by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, becoming a back-to-back winner of the honor, which was announced at the CTBA's annual awards dinner Feb. 5. Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Lava Man, McCann's Mojave: Tale of Two Winners

The paths of the two California-bred Thoroughbreds crossed like ships in the night Saturday when 7-10 favorite Lava Man won the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf at Santa Anita and a rejuvenated McCann's Mojave captured the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic at odds of 33-1 at Gulfstream Park. Sunday, January 28, 2007

Lava Man Rolls On in Sunshine Millions Turf

Lava Man, who was on the verge of Horse of the Year honors last year, kicked off his 2007 campaign with a sparkling two-length win in the $500,000 Sunshine Millions San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino Turf Saturday at Santa Anita. Saturday, January 27, 2007

Revved Up Slightly Lame, Out of 'Millions Turf

Revved Up will miss Saturday's $500,000 San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino Sunshine Millions Turf at Santa Anita after a training mishap Tuesday in Florida. Friday, January 26, 2007

Cal-bred Champions Announced

The California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association has announced its 2006 award winners, with the exception of Horse of the Year, which will be presented at the organization's annual meeting and awards dinner Feb. 5. Finalists for the honor include Brother Derek, Lava Man, and Thor's Echo. Thursday, January 25, 2007

World Cup Abuzz Over Invasor-Discreet Cat Clash

The Emirates Airline-sponsored $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) is set for the showdown between the two top-ranked horses on the planet after the nominations were released for the world's richest race meeting Jan. 22. Monday, January 22, 2007

Lava Man Starts New Year in 'Millions Turf

Lava Man, the most prosperous claim in racing history, turns his attention back to grass racing on Saturday when the defending Sunshine Millions Classic champion lends his star power to the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf event at Santa Anita. Sunday, January 21, 2007

International Handicappers Heap Praise on U.S. Horses

A panel of international handicappers hailed the exploits of the top U.S. horses when the 2006 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings were unveiled Tuesday, Jan. 16, in London, England. Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Invasor Rated Top Racehorse in World

Shadwell Stables' Invasor has topped the Northern Hemisphere section of the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings for 2006, details of which were revealed Tuesday, Jan. 16, in London, England. Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Lava Man Could Remain on Turf for Dubai Carnival

The multifaceted Lava Man, a grade I winner on dirt and turf, could remain on turf after his next start in the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf at Santa Anita on Jan. 27. Monday, January 01, 2007

Chasing Eclipse, Thor's Echo to Run in Dash

Thor's Echo, who became just the second California-bred to win a Breeders' Cup race when he captured the 2006 TVG Sprint (gr. I) Saturday at Churchill Downs, is to remain in the East in quest of an Eclipse Award. Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Invasor Conquers Bernardini in Breeders' Cup Classic

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin was asked Thursday if he knew the words to the Urugauain national anthem and he smiled but said, "No." Saturday, November 04, 2006

O'Neill and Albertrani Discuss BC Chances

Two days before the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Doug O'Neill, trainer of Lava Man, Sharp Lisa, and Great Hunter; and Tom Albertrani, trainer of Bernardini and Balletto, discussed the chances of their stars leading up to their respective races. Thursday, November 02, 2006

Bernardini Even-Money Favorite for Classic

Bernardini, leading candidate for Horse of the Year honors, drew the three post position and was installed as the even-money favorite for Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic -- Powered by Dodge (gr. I). Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Several Owners Choose New Supplemental Option

With the horses of racing age program implemented this year, owners had a different option for landing their non-nominated horses in the 2006 Breeders' Cup World Championships, and a few took full advantage. Monday, October 30, 2006

Lava Man, O'Neill Contingent, Ship to Churchill

Lava Man, a leading contender for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I), and Great Hunter, winner of Keeneland's Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) and a major contender for the Bessemer Trust Juvenile (gr. I), led the Doug O'Neill contingent that arrived at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Saturday, October 28, 2006

Poster Promotes Lava Man, Bernardini Showdown

It's not Ali/Frazier but the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 4 in Louisville, Ky., the hometown of former heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali, is being billed as a showdown between Bernardini and Lava Man. Friday, October 27, 2006

Lava Man, Other O'Neill Horses, Work at Keeneland

STD Racing and Jason Wood's Lava Man, gearing up for a showdown with Bernardini in the Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4, worked six furlongs in 1:15 over Keeneland's Polytrack on Friday, Oct. 27. Friday, October 27, 2006

Bernardini Works for Classic; Stage Set for Showdown with Lava Man

Darley Stable's Bernardini turned in a bullet five-furlong breeze in 1:02 2/5 at Belmont Park Wednesday, much to the satisfaction of trainer Tom Albertrani. His main rival for the Breeders' Cup Classic – Presented by Dodge (gr. I) will be Lava Man, whose trainer, Doug O'Neill, paid tribute to Bernardini. Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Lava Man Ships Early, Settles in at Keeneland

After shipping into Kentucky Oct. 10, the California-based Lava Man is adjusting well to his new surroundings at Keeneland Race Course as he preps for the $5- million Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) at Churchill Downs Nov. 4. According to trainer Doug O'Neill, the 5-year-old gelding settled in without a problem and is galloping daily over Keeneland's new Polytrack synthetic surface. Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Countdown to the Cup: Not Enough Flow in Classic Picture

It is safe to say there has never been more major stakes run and more major stars performing around the country than there were this past weekend. In the end, most of the Breeders' Cup World Championship races were clearly defined, but there was something missing in the aftermath of one of the races. Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Lava Man to Prep at Keeneland for Breeders' Cup

California-based Lava Man is scheduled to leave Tuesday for Keeneland Racecourse to prepare for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4 and a possible showdown for Horse of the Year honors against likely favorite Bernardini. Monday, October 09, 2006

Lava Man Cements His Classic Credentials

Odds-on choice Lava Man proved once again he's the class of the West Coast by winning his seventh straight race of the year with another convincing turn in Saturday's $500,000 Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) during the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita. Saturday, October 07, 2006

Streaking Lava Man Tackles Six in Goodwood

Lava Man, the $50,000 claim whose extraordinary string of six stakes victories this year has netted $2,470,000, headlines Oak Tree's $500,000 Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) at Santa Anita Saturday. Thursday, October 05, 2006

Lava Man Nominated to Breeders' Cup Through New Program

Breeders' Cup officials have confirmed that Lava Man, the 5-year-old gelding who is the top contender for the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) has been nominated to the Breeders' Cup program as a horse of racing age. Wednesday, October 04, 2006

'Emirates Airline Countdown to Breeders' Cup' on ESPN2

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association's "Emirates Airline Countdown to the Breeders' Cup" presents six live races Oct. 7 on ESPN2. Highlighting the show are the final Breeders' Cup Classic – Powered by Dodge (gr. I) tune-up races for Bernardini and Lava Man. They are expected to meet in the $5 million Classic Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs. Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Lava Man Ready to Glow in Goodwood BC

History-making Lava Man returns to action in the Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) Oct. 7 during the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park, where he will face a field that includes Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Giacomo and Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) hero Brother Derek. Sunday, October 01, 2006

Classic Pedigree Profile: Lava Man

Until recently, Lava Man was an equine Rodney Dangerfield – he could win big races and big money, but not respect. Amazing what four grade I wins can do. Sunday, September 24, 2006

Countdown to the Cup: Woodward Sheds Little Light on Classic Picture

Unless something drastic occurs between now and Nov. 4, it looks as if Bernardini, Invasor, and Lava Man, barring injury, will be the top guns, although one of those three - Bernardini or Invasor- will taste defeat in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I). Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Lava Man Makes History with Pacific Classic Win

Lava Man, the 5-year-old son of Slew City Slew on Saturday added the trophy from the Pacific Classic -- which began in 1991 -- to his victories in the $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup on July 8 and the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap on March 4. Tuesday, September 05, 2006

CHRB Chairman Says All Pacific Classic Runners Had Legal Levels of TCO2

In an unusual move, the chairman of the California Horse Racing Board has issued a statement defending the credibility of the state's drug-testing mechanism and praising the efforts of Lava Man in Sunday's Pacific Classic (gr. I). Thursday, August 24, 2006
More Articles about Lava Man
Photo: Benoit
Photo: Benoit
Lava Man
Photo: Benoit
Lava Man

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