2006 Hollywood Gold Cup - Lava Man

Lava Man held off Ace Blue by a nose to win the $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup on Saturday and become the first repeat winner since Native Diver in the 1960s.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Lava Man ran 1¼ miles in 2:01.16 and paid $3.20, $2.60 and $2.10 as the heavy wagering favorite in the field of five.

Ace Blue rallied in the stretch and finished second for owners Sid and Jenny Craig, the weight loss maven. Ace Blue paid $7 and $2.10.

Super Frolic returned $2.10 to show. Magnum was fourth, and Seek Gold last.

Lava Man was moved to a detention barn at Hollywood Park 24 hours before the race after another of trainer Doug O'Neill's horses failed a drug test on May 27. O'Neill's penalty ends July 13.

"I'm scared to see the photo it was such a close finish," O'Neill said. "Corey did such a phenomenal job of not rushing him."

A year ago, Patrick Valenzuela was aboard Lava Man as they won the Gold Cup by a record 8 3/4 lengths. This time, Valenzuela rode Magnum, who took the early lead after Lava Man stumbled badly leaving the gate.

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