O'Neill Hoping For Classic Upset

Trainer Doug O'Neill believes Lava Man can cause a big-race upset in this evening's Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.

The five-year-old is a best-priced 13-2 behind hot favourite Bernardini for the 10-furlong event but O'Neill thinks his California star could provide a shock.

He said: 'He's showing all the signs of running a big, big race ? he's a real warrior.'

The Hollywood Park trainer believes the draw, placing Lava Man on the outside of all his main rivals in stall eight, has set the race up perfectly for his horse.

'We have a lot of the main contenders inside of us so that helps a lot too,' he explained.

'Being able to let them commit, or if they don't commit, we can go with it. It should be interesting.

'I haven't done any handicapping yet but I know we have a horse that wants to be ridden away from there and he has enough versatility to either sit there or go on with it.

'I think Brother Derek, Lawyer Ron and Suave will give us legitimate pace ? at least there's the potential for legitimate pace.'

(C) PA Sport