Lava Man, Dubai Duty Free Threat

Santa Anita Handicap consecutive two-time winner Lava Man is headed to Dubai to state his case outside the borders of California. Can he win on the road at Dubai?

He's 0 for 4 outside of California. He's also the richest claimer ever in thoroughbred racing history. He's the great gelding, Lava Man.

Can the Golden State's current favorite win outside the friendly borders of his home state? He gives it a try at the end of the month in the $5,000,000 Dubai Duty Free (gr. l), at the Nad Al Sheba race course in the United Arab Emirates, on turf.

If you thought Lava Man was overlooked at the 2006 Eclipse awards, as best turf horse, best horse, and best older horse, I'd have to agree. And that's probably the reason he's shipping to Dubai.

Surely, the gutsy runner deserved one of the three awards to which he was nominated last season. But he didn't win a single one. His trainer, Doug O'Neill, said Lava Man's owners, David and Steve Kenly, Phoenix, and their partner, Jason Wood, had the dream to get Lava Man into the Dubai racing carnival. The events feature millions in purses and world-wide competition and attention.

What a scenario it would be to get that first road win on the biggest racing stage in the world. His trainer, his owners, and now his fans, I'm sure, are figuring it that way, too.

There is plenty of precedent for American wins in Dubai. Another great gelding, Cigar, won in its inaugural events in the '90s, with Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, having the pleasure of the ride. Recent $6 million Dubai World Cup (gr. l) winners of note are Pleasantly Perfect (2004), with Alex Solis aboard, and Roses in May (2005), ridden by John Velazquez.

Lava Man's sore feet troubles prompted his connections to choose a turf race in Dubai. A win in the Duty Free would still be the Big 'Cap champ's first win outside his home state, and its prestige would be good enough, I would think, to earn the gelding a 2007 older horse Eclipse.

Invasor, 2006 Horse of the Year, and a dozen other American entrants will represent the Red, White, and Blue in Dubai. Premium Tap and undefeated Discreet Cat, an Invasor conqueror, figure to give Invasor some challenge in the Dubai World Cup. Nightmare Affair, Kelly's Landing, Bishop Court Hill, and Harvard Avenue, plus Friendly will run in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (gr. l). Honey Ryder is racing in the $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic (gr. l). Dixie Meister is slated for the $1 million Godolphin Mile (gr. ll).

My eyes will be clued March 31 to the sentimental choice. Pour it on, Lava Man!