Cali horses by definition can't use Bute when they ship out of state; that doesn't imply they necessarily are bute-dependent for their best performance.

At two, BD shipped to NY and ran a four point new top without bute. Earlier this year, he shipped to CD and ran a new top without bute. Two weeks later he bounced after a performing a face plant into the gate and rushing into contention.

BD ran fast early fractions on a dying track Saturday, at a distance he has yet to prove he can run a Grade 1 winning performance against older, had Bernardini come into his path and earned a "T" symbol - and he "paired" his top.

Lava Man, on the other hand...there's a case for bute addiction.