Yes, this is about the horse who has had everything handed to him in a silver haynet - premium parents, the most expensive treatment from day one, every chance to prove himself, elite trainers and riders - versus the horse who had to work his way up from the bottom to earn respect. Lava Man actually debuted for Maiden Claiming $12,500 at the Stockton fair; maybe not rock bottom, but he could see it from there. He ran at medium level races up and down California until he got into the hands of the right trainer for him.
It's the rich frat boy versus the blue-collar kid who had to earn every cent he spends. I've always had a soft spot for the underdog. <"Speed of lightning, bolt of thunder, fighting all who rob or plunder...,">
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