Lava Man captures Goodwood Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Pacific Classic winner Lava Man shook loose down the stretch Saturday on his way to winning the $500,000 Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap at Santa Anita Park. The five-year-old gelding covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.15.

The 1 1/8 mile race will be Lava Man's final race before the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic in four weeks at Churchill Downs. In the Classic Lava Man is expected to face Bernardini who won the Jockey Club Gold Cup on Saturday.

Trained by Doug O’Neill, Lava Man remains perfect this year in seven starts. He became the first thoroughbred to sweep the big three handicap races in southern California in the same year. In addition to the Pacific Classic, he also captured the Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup.

Lava Man is owned by STD Racing and Jason Wood, and takes home $300,000 with Saturday's victory. Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Lava Man has earned more than $2.7 million this year and better than $3.8 million overall.

In the Goodwood, Lava Man broke well from the gate and was joined on lead by Preachinatthebar and Brother Derek. The three races one, two three around the first turn and up the backstretch.

Lava Man began to edge away from the field entering the final turn and opened up entering the stretch. Nakatani had his mount under control down the stretch and had no need to use-up the horse.

Lava Man was 2 1/2 lengths in front when he hit the wire followed by Brother Derek and Giacomo. Completing the order of finish was Preachinatthebar, Super Frolic, Magnum and Romeo Plus.

Lava Man returned $3.20, $2.20 and $2.10. Brother Derek paid $3.40 and $2.40, and 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo paid $2.40 for show.