2010 James J Patton Silver Cup Finals Race Breakdown

Saturday - 9/4/2010


On Saturday Evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club the 11th race on the card will be the finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup. This race is going to be great to watch as he have loads of talent and the way the posts drew out, this could be anyone's race to win.

Remember too that we will be giving away Scratch-Off Tickets were every card is a winner of a cash voucher, food, or other prizes here at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

Now let's look into this final round field a bit more closely.

1. Kiowa Vinita (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) might have draw the best post of any of the greyhounds and she got to pick last. She loves it down here and even though she is not the best breaker, she might be able to get some room early on so that she can close late. Her best skill is coming on in the later part of the race. Keys for her will be staying on the rail, and patience. Wait till you can get room to rush late, and that might see you factor at the wire.

2. Comedrinkwithme (Dauntless - Instant Vintage) was the point leader in the stakes with 3 wins in 4 rounds and also draws a pretty good starting box. He likes the rail and seems to get out of the box well from the inside positions. He has enough late speed to run with anyone here and if he breaks quick, the outcome could already be decided. Helping him out is the box next door. Paddy goes wide, which means even more room for him at the break. The key for him is just coming out close. If he is in contention early, it will be tough to beat him to the finish line.

3. Paddy Whacker (Heart Rumble* - Spicy Candy) is the 2010 JGR Puppy Stakes winner and arguably has the best raw speed in the bunch. The only problem for him in this effort is the post. He is a wide side runner that likes to cruise around the track out there and has to start from in here. The only saving grace for him might be his effort in the 1st round of the stakes. He had the same 3 box he has here and posted up a monster box tow ire win. The key to his success, BREAKING! He has not gotten around close in 3 rounds in a row. A solid break tonight, could put him back into the winner's circle in this effort.

4. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) has already accomplished something just by making the finals of this race in his 14th official start. This puppy is the real deal and can win from on or off the early pace. He has good closing speed and is speaking loudly for his sire, and 2007 All-American, Afleet Alex. This guy might have some growing up to do in this effort though. The post is a tough one for him as Paddy is bigger and will be coming his way early on in this effort. If he can break, and can miss the early trouble, he has the skills to win this race. Keys for him are, breaking, rushing, and to keep on coming. If he stays true to what he has been doing, and forgets about the situation, he could be an upset winner.

5. Raiders Bart (Dodgem By Design - Raiders Azeri) is always underrated and really needs to start being recognized for how good he really is. This greyhound has won 9 of his last 16 races and once in front, he is so tough to take off the lead. The 5 box is doing him no favors in this race, but if he breaks it really won't matter all that much. He is not just a frontrunner either. He can close too and challenge in the stretch. Keys for him are frankly, getting out of the box well and getting some room to rush the turn in. If he can continue to keep up the pace, he could have an outside shot.

6.Leading Steps (Lonesome Cry - Tk Ashira) is the best breaking in the bunch and will most likely be the one to catch in this effort. He is competing in his 3rd stakes final in a row and he has finished in the money in the 2 previous ones. He was nosed out for the win in the Night of Stars feature race and this time around he is looking to hold on at the wire for the win. If he breaks like he can, he will be unabated to the lead in this effort. The key to him winning this race is really, really, easy, JUST BREAK! All he has to do is steal 20 on the field, and get some help behind him, and he could be the new champion.

7. Kiowa Top Design (Dodgem By Design - Flying Acme) really stepped up his game in the rounds and has proven that he belongs in the conversation with the rest of the greyhounds in this field. He is so very tough on the lead and has never been caught from behind in any effort where he has been in front. He likes to break outside too, so the second O'Donnell greyhound has a very good post as well. The key for him in this final round race is getting out of the box. He has to break in order to be effective and that might be tough with Steps right next door. If he can clear 2nd, he might just be able to outlast Steps late in this race.

8. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) finally took to the shorter distance and made a 550 yard stakes final in his 3rd try. This winner of the 2010 Orange Park Derby is better known for his 660 yard prowess, but in this stakes as least, he has broke close, closed well, and has challenged over 550 too. The post is really what is throwing him for a loop in this effort. This greyhound is all rail all the time and starts out from the outside of outside posts. He is going to have to work hard to get there and that could delay his close at the end of the race. The key for him is getting out of the box. If he can stalk the early pace to his inside and get room to run, no one might be able to match him in the stretch.

So now how is this race going to play out? For me I like Leading Steps to hit the mark from the box and take early command of this race. No greyhound has been better to the early lead, and Steps will prove that he is the one to catch again tonight. Comedrinkwithme gets room early as Paddy Whacker, Whacks Really Xtreme at the break as he tries to get outside. Raiders Bart should also be around early as he follows the speed to the turn. Kiowa Vinita also gets room on the rail and sticks to it as they head up the frontstretch. Eds Budby heads to the rail at the break and finds Kiowa Top Design in the way of the progress. As they approach the turn Steps should be clear of the competition in the lead as Comedrinkwithme and Raiders Bart are closely chasing behind. Paddy Whacker has finally made it outside and should be staring to make a move, as Kiowa Vinita hugs the rail. Xtreme, Top Design, and Budby are trying to overcome the early trouble. Down the backside Steps stretches out the lead a bit and by the far turn he is still in command. Down the stretch is where things will get interesting. Steps will be fighting to get to the wire and the closers, and even the chasers will be coming. The closer Steps gets, the shorter the lead becomes. In the deep stretch, Steps finally surrenders to the competition. Comedrinkwithme pulls on by for the win, Steps hold on in a game second place finish as Paddy Whacker and Raiders Bart contend for the rest. (2-6-3-5)