Wasn't Lava Man, during the height of his success, compared to both John Henry and Seabiscuit? Perhaps his connections are trying to further the somewhat forced fantasy (doesn't this horse have his own DVD?) by emulating those champions.
Seabiscuit, as most know, suffered a major injury as a 5yo but returned after more than a year layoff to win the Santa Anita Handicap at age 7.
John Henry, who raced in top class company at age 9 before retiring with an injury, was actually put back into training at age 11 (though the comeback was ultimately aborted).
As far as I can tell, Lava Man was retired because of declining form, not because of an acute, major injury. Recent aged comebacker Perfect Drift had much more distinct problems and made a decent (3rd to BC winner Albertus Maximus), albeit brief, comeback.
While coming back in top class company may be a bit of stretch, if he can be as modestly successful as fellow Cal-breds Best Pal and Cavonnier, it would be a good story.
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