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.
Posted by JC in Races/Results on 07/10/2005 @ 4:45 pm / Follow @railbird on Twitter
In his first workout since winning the Belmont Stakes on June 11, Afleet Alex breezed five furlongs in 1:00.9 at Belmont this morning. It’s expected that Afleet Alex will make his next start in the August 7 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth.
Posted by JC in Horses on 07/10/2005 @ 12:00 pm / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Calder’s Summit of Speed has been postponed to Sunday (Daily Racing Form). Heavy rain, high winds, and a power outage caused by Hurricane Dennis prompted the rescheduling.
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Speedy picks for the Summit of Speed: In the Carry Back Stakes, Lost in the Fog, followed by Hot Space. In the Princess Rooney, Sensibly Chic and Happy Ticket.
Posted by JC in Races/Results on 07/09/2005 @ 12:00 pm / Follow @railbird on Twitter
