Saturday Winners
Lava Man wins the Hollywood Gold Cup, Surf Cat wins the Swaps (LA Times). With his eight and three-quarters lengths win in the Gold Cup, Lava Man — who was claimed by trainer Doug O’Neill for $50,000 less than a year ago — set a record for winning margin in the race. Count O’Neill among those surprised by Lava Man’s dominating performance: “When we claimed him … I thought we were getting a horse that might run for $40,000 or $50,000 on grass. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we were getting a Grade I winner.” Favorite Limehouse finished fifth: “He never showed up,” said jockey John Velazquez.
