In a hypothetical 1-1/4 mile match race at equal weights at Hollywood Park, would you....?

Question

....bet on Lava Man or Native Diver?

Native Diver is the only 3-time winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup. Lava Man is trying to win his third Hollywood Gold Cup this weekend. They both are/were geldings, both California-breds, both have done their best races in California.

So who would you pick, and why?

Answer 1

I think its gonna be a great race.  i know im pulling for lava man but we will see.  hey if your interested in horse racing maybe you should join our new club on yahoo groups.  just search on yahoo groups for TVG HORSE RACING CLUB and join us.  

good luck

Answer 2

Well the big question that has to be asked - is this the Hollywood Park of today (Cushion Track) or yesteryear (dirt)?  Before Lava Man tries it this weekend we won't know how he handles the artificial surface.  Obviously we'll never know about the Diver, but I don't believe he ever ran on the turf.  Lava Man has been quite successful on the grass.  Which is important because horses who do well on the grass have (typically) done well on artificial surfaces.  So a tepid vote here for Lava Man.

Answer 3

In match races a lot of traditional racing strategy goes out the window of course but I would have to go with Native Diver because I feel that Native Diver's early speed would dictate a faster pace by Lava Man who would not sustain the pace and have any chance of a surge at the end. A 2 horse race is bad for horse racing ( racing strategy/wagering) but then a 20 horse field in the Kentucky Derby is getting old as well.

Answer 4

b 4 real.....the diver was a world record holding sprinter for 7 furlongs, and he won with 130lbs, by the time lava man started running the diver would be a ez 6 lenghts clear under a Jerry Lambert hand ride...