Lava Man

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by miraja2

I'm not saying he would have won that race if it had been run at a SoCal track. I don't think he would. But it is absolutely incorrect to say that this horse runs the same races away from the three SoCal tracks that he runs at them. It isn't really a debatable topic. It is just a fact.
We already had this whole argument in the Dubai Duty Free thread, so I don't want to have it all again.
But he is without question a different horse outside of Cali than he is in Cali. Your suggestion that shipping doesn't affect him at all is laughably incorrect, and anyone that has watched this horse run or knows how to read past performances knows that.

Do you ever think that its because he doesnt have his way outside california and buckles under those circumstances? also, the medication?

The past two times this horse has run outside his home state, the preview articles in written by turf writers online have raved about how good he looks and how hes been training.. (while he was in Kentucky and Dubai). Then he goes out and doesnt run a lick. I dont think its from shipping or turf writers wouldnt be raving about how hes training in the other regions.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

Do you ever think that its because he doesnt have his way outside california and buckles under those circumstances? also, the medication?

The past two times this horse has run outside his home state, the preview articles in written by turf writers online have raved about how good he looks and how hes been training.. (while he was in Kentucky and Dubai). Then he goes out and doesnt run a lick. I dont think its from shipping or turf writers wouldnt be raving about how hes training in the other regions.

The medication could be part (or maybe all) of it. I honestly have no idea.
It isn't like he always just gets an uncontested lead in his SoCal races. Sometimes he is behind horses, sometimes he is pressured, and he responds, runs a strong figure and wins. When he faces the exact same scenario at any other track in the world, he just quits.

[The Bid]

Not having the medication or any of the other help he gets is the sole reason for his poor performance. His stall walking, bad shipping, all that other stuff, thats all just bullshit. He cant run unless hes jugged and drugged.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by The Bid

Not having the medication or any of the other help he gets is the sole reason for his poor performance. He cant run unless hes jugged and drugged.

This is the explanation that makes the most sense to me too. But it is difficult to say for sure.
According to robfla (and others) however, this has no effect on him at all!!!! He runs the exact same with or without the stuff!!

[robfla]

Originally Posted by miraja2

According to robfla (and others) however, this has no effect on him at all!!!! He runs the exact same with or without the stuff!!

please show me where i said that?

my point is simple: the MAIN REASON he runs worse is the level of competition.

not the only reason - i do believe other factors apply ( med, travel, etc. )

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by miraja2

This is the explanation that makes the most sense to me too. But it is difficult to say for sure.
According to robfla (and others) however, this has no effect on him at all!!!! He runs the exact same with or without the stuff!!

I have to agree that the medication is the main reason for Lava Man not being "himself". But, I also must state that even if he was as drugged up as Timothy Leary, he would still not finish in the money against the competition he faces outside Cali. just not good enough

also, "lack of medication" is different than "shipping" issues. I still dont and wont buy the shipping excuse!

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

I have to agree that the medication is the main reason for Lava Man not being "himself". But, I also must state that even if he was as drugged up as Timothy Leary, he would still not finish in the money against the competition he faces outside Cali. just not good enough

also, "lack of medication" is different than "shipping" issues. I still dont and wont buy the shipping excuse!

Do you think any horse has ever had shipping issues?
If so, why is it impossible that Lava Man has some of those issues?

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by miraja2

Do you think any horse has ever had shipping issues?
If so, why is it impossible that Lava Man has some of those issues?

I am gonna reply in a PM.

[The Bid]

Its amazing how fast a horse will back up when hes not milkshaked.

I mean anyone who thinks the medication doesnt matter to Lava Man is a complete buffoon.

Hes nowhere near good enough to beat worldclass horses with no help