from Hollywood Park:

Just as Zenyatta — the $5-million superstar mare of racing — fades into the limelight with her retirement, Lava Man — the $5-million superstar gelding — returns to center stage at Hollywood Park.

“I think he’s ready,” said trainer Doug O’Neill Thursday after the 8-year-old gelding six furlongs in a bullet 1:13.60 Wednesday under regular exercise rider Tony Romero in his final drill for the $100,000 Native Diver Handicap on Dec. 12. “He looks great.”

The three-time Hollywood Gold Cup winner, who returned to training in September following a one-year retirement, will make his first start since July, 2008, in the Grade III test at 1 1/8 miles on Cushion Track.

“His return has been a big boost to the barn,” said O’Neill. “He’s a champion. To have a champion around on a daily basis is really great.”

O’Neill said Lava Man’s return following stem-cell therapy to his front ankles at Alamo Pintado in Los Olivos has been healthy for the horse. “Tom Hudson, who manages Magali Farms where he was at, said he was depressed when he wasn’t doing much,” said O’Neill. “He seems like a happy camper here. With the exercise and all, he enjoys the action.”

Meet-leading jockey Joel Rosario will ride Lava Man for the first time in the Native Diver. Rosario will become the 13th jockey to ride the venerable gelding, who has won 17 of 46 starts and earned $5,268,706. O’Neill and Rosario teamed to win the race last year with Slew’s Tizzy.

O’Neill nominated High Court Drama and Square Eddie to the Native Diver along with Lava Man. Also nominated are Cigar Man, Deal Breaker, Mast Track, Neko Bay, One Track Mind, Richard’s Kid, Times Gone By, Tres Borrachos, Viscount and Whatsthescript.

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