LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Fans of Lava Man, the horse of the unprecedented single-season sweep of the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic this year, aren't going to like what Bobby Frankel has to say.
But the Hall of Fame trainer lived up to his reputation for never sugarcoating an opinion when asked about Lava Man taking on Bernardini in the $5 million Classic on Saturday.
“He's got no shot,” Frankel said. “Bernardini, if he runs his race, will win it. The numbers are much better on Bernardini, and I go by the numbers. I'm a numbers guy.”
By “numbers,” Frankel was referring to speed figures by certain subscription betting information services. But his point is supported by the Beyer Speed Figures in the Daily Racing Form, which have Bernardini's doing a steady climb from 104 in winning the Withers in April to 117 in the Jockey Club Gold Cup on Oct. 7 to extend his graded-stakes victory streak to five. Lava Man got a 113 winning the Santa Anita Handicap, but his last three wins all registered at 109.
Brother Derek gets No. 1 post
Santa Anita Derby winner Brother Derek, who dead-heated for fourth in the Kentucky Derby in his only start at Churchill Downs, drew the No. 1 post for the Classic.
Hank Wesch: (619) 293-1853; hank.wesch@uniontrib.com
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