Lava Man has proved consistently that he's a good shipper BACK to California and can return to top form in California after a little rest (no more than 2 months). Both races off layoffs were Sunshine Millions Races (one after Japan and one after Churchill) and, in all honesty, in both Sunshine Races he looked like he needed the race badly as a prep for the more challenging SA 'Cap. I don't think that he's toast for his career or for this year by going to Dubai, but I do think that the connections are doing what is in their best interest (a free trip with all the trappings in Dubai) than in what is in Lava Man's best interests.

I DEFINITELY would take a shot at shipping him within the US for a turf race just to be certain beyond any doubt that shipping and not surface is his problem when he ships (4 races out of 37 don't make much of scientific example in shipping), but the Woodford Reserve would've been a dream spot for him to run. Churchill on Derby Day - National TV coverage - a Grade 1 - and possible soft competition. Plus he could get bute 24 hours+ before the race in KY and Lasix. Bad, bad move and O'Neill really should've taken a stand against this move to Dubai.