Incorrect

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by oracle80

Brother Derek's good effort was lost in the Lava Man shuffle. making only his 2nd start since the Preakness he ran quite well and bravely to hold the place down. His layoff start at Del Mar certainly couldn't have moved him up very muchin terms of conditioning and the race he ran on Saturday was almost like first start off the layoff. Perhaps holding the place over Giacomo isn't earth shattering stuff but to me he had to chase while losing ground and most horses would have spit the bit after Lava broke their hearts on the turn and pulled away. He kept battling and looked good. He may not be Classic contender material but the Classic could really move him up in terms of fitness and he should be a VERY nice 4YO and be a big contender in the Strub series that starts with the Malibu on opening day at Santa Anita.

He hasn't run a bad one yet at Anita.He worked like a monster last Winter at Anita.He worked great at Anita before this race.It would appear to me that he is happiest at this track.I wish they would put their egos away,and race him at Anita this Winter/Spring.He will try hard back in Kentucky,but it does appear he has a preference for Anita(and would probably have much less chance of injuring himself out here.) To me,he is best at 9f or less anyways.So,wrong distance,wrong surface,and wrong company.I hope they reconsider.Atleast Giacomo likes Churchill,and can handle 10f very easily.He has shown that he will come eat it,if they cook it.

[jpops757]

I think I read where Lava Man finished 13 and change, Thats not a winning finish butdoes anyone run the turns better than Lava Man. The finish is all anyone talks about but Lava Man puts them away in the turn then last . Is not the conventional way but it looks to me this is his style. It might be a west coast thing and will be a flop but this style could spur some of the finishers to prematurely start there run.

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

To me,he is best at 9f or less anyways..

Agreed. He was always iffy going into the Derby - sire looked OKay, but damside suspect. Wrote so at the time (in Owner/Breeder). He would do better in the Clark H, or waiting for the Native Diver.