Native Diver Handicap Grade 3
Only a field of six for this year's Native Diver. Trainer Doug O'Neill will saddle half the field and looks to have the best chance of winning with either returning Lava Man or the very sharp High Court Drama.
High Court Drama will get the call as my top selection based on the strength of his most recent win. On our scale, High Court Drama earned a figure equal to today's Grade 3 level. This four year old Irish bred actually has a better lifetime record over surfaces that are not turf. Hopefully he will take to the Hollywood Park "cushion" track like he did over the local turf course on November 15th.
Horse for course Tres Borrachos will be my second choice due to the fact that his three lifetime victories have come right here at Hollywood Park. I'm not sure that he comes into the Native Diver as sharp as he was over the summer, but he does warrant much respect for his good early speed in a small field.
Lava Man is the "people's choice" and should go favored as long as he's not a scratch due to weather. It will be tough for the 8yo to win off such a long layoff. However, we should never under estimate the heart of a champion. Good luck!
1st High Court Drama
2nd Tres Barrachos
3rd Lava Man
