Lava Man Revisited

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Mike Relva — Wed, 30 May 2012 23:16:29 GMT

Nice article on Lava Man.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

realmccoy — Mon, 28 May 2012 18:33:33 GMT

I think richard mandela diserves to be the trainer to train the next tripple crown winner , oneil and ill have another to not diserve to be in the history books , unless he wins the belmont..lol

I think hell get beat by a fresh horse rested by not running in thr preakness , ill be routing for union rags , his sire dixie union was great ans also trained by richard mandella

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

realmccoy — Mon, 28 May 2012 18:27:18 GMT

Great story , but my favorate horse of all time was the great cougar2 , trained by charlie whittingham

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Mike Relva — Mon, 28 May 2012 16:08:07 GMT

CASANDRA.SAYS

You're joking right?

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

GunBow — Sun, 27 May 2012 09:19:40 GMT

So great to see Lava Man getting this attention, particularly from those outside of California that didn't get to see him at his best during his racing career.

For fans in California, Lava Man was the story of the 2000s until Zenyatta came along. A dvd was made of Lava Man's story and passed out to Hollywood Park patrons as a promo, much like they did with Zenyatta later.

In Caliornia, Lava Man was money. I didn't live in California at that time, but visited every year, typically around Hollywood Gold Cup time, so I was lucky enough to see all 3 of his Gold Cup wins. And I talked to friends in California who would go out and wager on him in the big races, and for a while he never disappointed.

I have stated this before, but it bears repeating. In the long and storied history of the Hollywood Gold Cup and Santa Anita Handicap, no horse achieved more than Lava Man; together, he won 5 of those races(3 Gold Cups and 2 Big Caps), while no other horse has won more than 3. Add in a Pacific Classic, a Goodwood, a Whittingham, a Californian, a Sunshine Millions Classic + Turf, a 120 Beyer, grade 1 wins on all 3 surfaces, and the title as richest claim, and I don't see how Lava Man does not end up in the Hall of Fame.

His one weakness was that he couldn't ship, and that there wasn't a Breeder's Cup in California from 2004-2007. I have no doubt he would have been much more difficult for Benardini and Invasor to run down at his home tracks. But, to be a truly all-time great, a horse will most likely have to ship, and this one weakness prevented Lava Man from reaching the status nationally he had in California.

For fans in the East looking for a comparison that they are familiar with, think Slew O' Gold.

For fans outside New York, Slew O' Gold was a really good horse that simply came up short in the 2 biggest races of his career, the Kentucky Derby(4th), and then in his final career race, the 84' Breeder's Cup Classic(finished 3rd, moved up to 2nd). That Classic in particular stands out, because Slew O' Gold had been annointed by the Eastern establishment as the clear #1 horse on the continent, and the Classic, run at Hollywood Park, was going to be his coronation. But it didn't work out that way as Slew O' Gold never could get by Wild Again and the 84' HoY went to the old man, John Henry.

The similarities between Lava Man and Slew O' Gold are striking to me. Both won 7 grade 1 races in their careers. Slew O' Gold dominated the Fall Championship Triple(Woodward-Marlboro Cup-Jockey Club Gold Cup) at Belmont like only the greats of the past had, winning the Woodward and Jockey Club Gold Cup at 3 in 1983(was 2nd in a photo in the Marlboro that year) before then sweeping the three races the following year. This is similar to a stretch Lava Man had from mid-2005 through mid-2007, when he won 6 of the 7 races in the "California Handicap Triple"(Big Cap-Gold Cup-Pacific Classic), taking the 05' Gold Cup, running 3rd in 05' Pacific Classic, sweeping all 3 in 06', then winning the 07' Big Cap and 07' Gold Cup).

All 7 of Slew O' Gold's grade 1 wins came in the state of New York while all 7 of Lava Man's grade 1s came in California. And though Slew O' Gold didn't bomb when running outside of New York, he none the less was 0 for 5 in his career outside that state.

What's amazing to keep in mind is that Lava Man has still won more than twice the grade 1s and about twice the money as I'll Have Another. However, I'll Have Another has proven himself a wonderful shipper, and that has enabled him to win the 3 biggest races of his career to date and brought him to the brink of history.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Splits of 12 — Sun, 27 May 2012 05:54:08 GMT

Lava Man is a true legend. Wouldn't it be something to see his star pupil I'll Have Another win the Triple Crown. Lava Man would be re-writing history,in a special way. Not with three consecutive Hollywood Gold Cups, but with three consecutive Triple Crown races. I'll Have Another G1 please.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

shezalongtallsally — Sat, 26 May 2012 05:58:26 GMT

thank you mr. haskins, great story.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Slew — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:59:39 GMT

Ooooh Steve, you've made me sooo happy! I've always loved Lava Man. I remember his first race back after his stem cell therapy. He charged into the paddock prancing, and dragged 2 grooms along with him, while the jockey was barely given a chance to mount him, as he headed out to the track. He led that race most of the time, and just flattened out in the final leg, finishing last. I thought the race was a bit long for his first try...and was disappointed when they retired him again. But he didn't really retire...just picked up a new career. To this day, I still see so much Slew in him...all spit and vinegar...and "look at me! I da MAN!"

I've really never before seen a lead pony who needed a lead pony of his own. Lava Man is still on fire, and I love seeing him, again and again and again. It's on to the Belmont...and yes, Dr. D, I need a Triple Crown winner this year....AND I want Lava Man to be in the winner's circle with him.

As for Beyer's..Lava Man's career high is 120, better than any other horse prancing down the track with him.(Although I tend to see Beyer as subjective, and not as objective as claimed.)

Again...Thank you Steve, the photos are great, the story greater, the horse...unbelievably great.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

sharjyl — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:02:21 GMT

Steve:

Its out of discussion, but its really bothering me after hearing that New York stewards would not allow IHA to wear a nasal strip for his Belmont stakes. I am from New York and its really really pissing me off that these stupid stewards could not come up with a dumber idea at this particular moment for this horse and what is at stake. I want to hear your wise words on the issue steve. NYRA is already becoming "New York Ridiculous Association", and now the stewards follow their lead. Its so bizarre

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Pedigree Ann — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:28:37 GMT

:46 Flat, My nickname for Lava Man has always been 'The Lava Dude'. Being as how I am a registered Cal-bred (I have a number and a joke certificate from the registrar), I have always followed California racing, and Calbreds especially, more closely than many. Lava Man was always 'The Dude' to me.

Zarvona, can you explain something to me? You mentioned how one must compare times to pars for the track to compute speed figures. How did Beyer and all the others manage to create figures FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY OF RACING OVER A BRAND-NEW SURFACE? In the last 10 years, so many tracks have had new sufaces - Gulfstream, when they expanded the track to 9f; Keeneland, Turfway, and Woodbine, when they put in Poly; the California tracks, when mandated to put in a variety of AW surfaces. Indeed, Santa Anita hasn't had the same surface for two years in a row for several years. So how was it done without any par times for the new surfaces? This really confuses me.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Meydan Rocks — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:56:00 GMT

Sorry to be redundant if someone has posted this here already. Saw this on the "other" site and had to post it here under this relevant topic!

What an animal... GO LAVA MAN!

www.youtube.com/watchayer_embedded&v=GESVqzDQEuM

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Betty S — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:44:16 GMT

I enjoyed this article so much and I really hope it will it encourage other owners to put some of the retired stars (the ones who would like to do it) to work. We can see how great it is for Lava Man and IHA. Obviously the fans love it, its wonderful for all involved. He is one cool dude opening those food bins by himself.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Smoking Baby — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:16:53 GMT

Good morning Steve. Thanks for another cool trip down memory lane. I loved that year's Breeder's Cup telecast that began with the sun rising over the Stockton Fair. I still remember working there as the flag man on the gate crew and hearing that Affirmed had been disqualified in the Travers. It always seems about 10 degrees hotter in Stockton than at any of the other tracks on the fair circuit. Plus you always hated the Stockton meet because in those days it meant the summer was coming to and end and you had to return to school. Oh yes...back to my point. In the You Tube video where he's loose in the shedrow he LOOKS like a racehorse and not a pony. Someone walking by would think "loose horse!!!" instead of "Oh look, how adorable, the pony is stolling the shedrow." I expected to see him maybe not fat but carrying more weight. He looks like he's still in fighting shape. LOVE IT. Thank you Steve.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Linda in Texas — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:59:03 GMT

Just now seeing on Bloodhorse.com that Dynaformer's last foal is a filly.

So his girls can carry on his name and his genes. RIP Dynaformer.

You won't be soon forgotten and you were truly a brave horse.

Linda

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

fuzzbert — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:13:41 GMT

Great article!!! Lava Man has always been one of my favorites. I'm glad he's still at the track and helping his brothers and sisters. If anyone knows how to win Lava Man does, and I'm sure he's been talking alot to I'll Have Another. And if the crown #12 is passed down, Lava Man should definitely be in the winner's circle.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Shelby's Best Pal — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:53:44 GMT

When I read the title, I could hardly wait to read the story. Lava Man is so special. And he has a great story. The story and the Youtube clip made my day! Thank you.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

:46 Breezing — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:45:58 GMT

Another gem Mr. Haskin...great read as always.

Lava Man's a dude and a half isn't he ? Had a chance to attend the 2006 Breeders Cup and i can remember the tremendous buildup to the Classic...pitting Bernardini vs Lava Man. LM trained like a bear that week. O'Neill even had him clip over the turf one morning as i recall.

LM stalked before flattening out in the lane and finishing 7th. Bernardini rushed past the big horse like he was standing still. Nevertheless...a feel good tale for a feel good horse.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

LucyWG — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:42:40 GMT

Thank you for all the pictures of one of my very favorite horses. I have a photo of Lava Man hanging on the wall in my business, (a feed store) along with photos of some of my other favorites, including Zenyatta, Tiz Now and Seattle Slew.

I find it funny to hear people refer to Lava Man's "advanced age." He is old only in the way a 22 year old female gymnast is old. Keep in mind, most horses live twenty to thirty years. In many other equestrian sports, he would be in his prime.

With Lava Man being kept so fit and active, I am sure he will live a long, healthy, happy life!

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Irish Punter — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:47:54 GMT

Zarvona,

I see you published the article on Beyer's Figures. It is very helpful but IMHO you should have given credit to Steve Jerardi from the Beyer Organisation who published this " The Science behind the Beyer Figures" in DRF 5/23/2012 @ 4:53PM (The time of your's is 5/24/2012 @3.05-some 10 hours after his Post in DRF.

If Beyer's figures are so scientific how can he change his # 2 months after the race @ la Creative Cause/ I'll Have Another before the

Santa Anita Derby being upgraded to fit a particular scenario or story-line of Mr Beyers.

They are SUBJECTIVE despite what the article claims.In keeping with this scenario IHA recieved a 101 Beyer Kentucky Derby # (2nd lowest in 20 years)This and the 95 in the Santa Anita Derby were grossly inaccurate and unfair to both horse and betting public.

Bris on the other hand which is computer based and thus OBJECTIVE gave IHA a fig of 108 for the Derby which was more in line with his Preakness # and more fair to an improving horse running for the Triple Crown.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Rachel O — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:03:07 GMT

Lava Man! Well, here's another example of one of those dang California horses in the spotlight!

He sure is an entertainer.

According to what a friend tells me, I understand that he doesn't much like carrots and finds them a bore. To keep him out of the food bins they put a bunch of carrots on top. Funny!

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Linda in Texas — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:55:00 GMT

zarvona, i know you mean well. But to me the explanation is as sloppy as a muddy track at CharlesTown.

In my twisted way of thinking, since i am a very sensical and practical thinker, the fundamentals DO change with every horse, track, weather conditions, amount of oats in a stomach and how much energy they produce and on and on, which bit, which jockey,

how the horse is feeling, unfamiliar track, noisey barn, people screaming, sore hock,loose shoe, those to me are the fundamentals and they are different with every race run at the same track each day.

I failed to mention Steve's reference of Stem Cell procedures on Lava Man. Those procedures of course are being used to fight cancer and all kinds of illnesses

with people also,i might add.

I am glad Lava Man's took!

Looking forwardly to finding out the other horses being considered to race in The Belmont.

I have read that in addition to I'll Have Another, Dullahan, Union Rags, that perhaps the following are being considered: Alpha, Paynter, Street Life, Unstopable U, Arousing Sermon, Optimizer, Guyana Star Dweej, Atigun, Five Sixteen and Stealcase. Someone asked earlier on Steve's blog which horses could be probables to run in The Belmont.

The list will aid you in doing research on them. As i plan to do shortly.

I will be looking at pedigrees not Beyer figures. Sorry zarvona. Maybe someday i will figure them out. Thanks Steve.

I think i will make some Butterscotch Cookies,which brand of scotch should i use Dr. D.? :)

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:56:13 GMT

The last Triple Crown winner was almost as long ago as when I bought my clock radio that still works as good as the day I bought it. I wonder if it will konk out if Lava Man and I'll Have Another win at Belmont? I'll make that trade.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

ofelia — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:08:31 GMT

I was happy when Lava Man was coming to Old Friends bcs I could finally see him and visit periodically. I live on the East Coast and Kentucky is within driving distance. However, I realize he is better off with a job to do. This way he will live a happier longer life and will always be in the spotlight. I just love Lava Man!!!!!

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

calgirl15 — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:43:22 GMT

Love this story of Lava Man-he has always been one of my favorites. I truly believe that LM does think that all of the applause and shouts at the track are for him, as well he should! So glad that his people realized that he needed a job after his racing days were done.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Lava Man Revisited

Johnno — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:21:12 GMT

As an Australian who went to the Kentuckyn Derby last year and dropped in on Hollywood Park on the way home, I was unaware of Lava Man's deed but suspected them to be mighty as evidenced by his name multiplied on the wall as you enter HP. Now I know. Enjoyed your story Steve. Beautifully written. The most rewarding aspect of witnessing US racing live is that the fans are as fanatical as our own, abeit we show our enthusiasm in different styles Racing downunder is a religion. The Lord walks on four legs - on water.