Mar
3
O’Neill’s World
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It’s Doug O’Neill’s world, we’re just taking up space and using his oxygen.
First, GREAT HUNTER made a successful return to the races, making a powerful move on the far turn to carry him to victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. He is one of three Derby-quality 3-year-olds owned by Paul Reddam, the other two being NOTIONAL and LIQUIDITY. Knock on wood, but you would have to think at least one of these three will make it to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
Then, O’Neill-trained LAVA MAN takes his second straight Big Cap (only third horse in history to win it twice) and ninth straight win in California with a victory in a pedestrian 2:02.11. He stalked the slow pace, challenged 3-wide on the far turn, hit the front, then comfortably held off MOLENGAO. In all honesty, I thought the win was very workmanlike, with a moderate :25.2 final quarter. He got the job done but he doesn’t seem quite as sharp as last year’s version. I still think he might be a better horse on turf, so let’s see if his connections follow up on their plan to ship to Dubai for the big grass race there.
Just for good measure O’Neill racked up two more wins on the card to extend his lead in the trainer’s race.
Two more wins for Bobby Frankel, who is now just one away from tying the legendary Charlie Whittingham’s Santa Anita mark.
Nice day for Corey Nakatani, who was aboard both GREAT HUNTER and LAVA MAN. He remains one of the best big-race riders in the country.
Tough photo for third place in the Big Cap as Mike Willman’s MCCANN’S MOJAVE got nipped by BOBOMAN for the show spot. Not that Willman has any room to complain after his recent run of good fortune, but that was a $60,000 nose. Ouch.
In Florida, early Derby favorite NOBIZ LIKE SHOWBIZ was defeated at odds-on while he continued his lugging in routine through the lane. I wrote about my concern over this “habit” in a previous posting, but it has to be more than just a concern at this point. The horse has raced enough times that he can’t be considered green anymore. I believe there is something physically bothering him.
KIP DEVILLE was game in winning the Kilroe Mile over fast closing BAYEUX, who has lost tough photo finishes in his last two starts.
For the first time since its inception, the Magna 5 carried over. After a couple boxcars winners, there will be $377,000 in the kitty next Saturday.
Just another Sensory Overload Saturday.
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