Really Xtreme Demolishes Final Field

Really Xtreme, the offspring of 2007 All-American Afleet Alex, didn't disappoint as he dominated the finals of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile.

Even though the race was run on Saturday evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club, the true start of this victory lap might just have been on Wednesday Matinee. After a sixth place finish in the semi-finals, Really Xtreme was relegated to selecting his post randomly fourth, but trainer Mike Gerard pulled out just what he wanted, and needed, the one box. With a clean lane to rush in early on, this race looked like his too loose, but he still has to show up and run.
Already in the stakes he had shown his domination twice with wins about 6 lengths clear of the field as he stopped the clock in the low 30.30 range, but could he do that again in the finals? Could he rebound after his rough trip in the semis? All questions were answered as the box popped open.
Not only did Really Xtreme break well, Really Xtreme went to the lead. He even out broke the ultra fast May's Flora, and took instant control of this race. He was in command from the very first step, and when you get a talented greyhound with a ton of raw speed in front early, it gets ugly. By the first turn he was already two lengths clear of the competition and as the race went on, he increased his lead with each and every step. He padded it to five full lengths by the far turn, and came home with a flurry as he crossed the wire eight and a half lengths clear of the competition. He stopped the clock at a personal best 30.30 seconds, and this all comes from a greyhound who has just twenty-one starts under his belt.
May's Flora might have qualified last in points and won a tie-breaker to just get into this race, but she ran far beyond her early efforts in this final round race. She missed her big break, but she still rushed hard to the first turn and was just off the leader in second as they headed up the backside. Trouble ensued behind her, so she took full advantage of it. She chased the best that she could for the rest of the race, she just was not match for the all out speed of Really Xtreme. Scottish Dreamer had a clean run to the turn and tried to move inside early and collided with Kelsos Spiffy, but Spiffy got the raw end of the deal there as she was shuffled out of contention. Dreamer continued on around the turn and held throughout for a third place effort. Kiowa Mc Gee completed the superfecta as he found some trouble at the first turn, but still managed to find a way back into the money. Completing this race was General Sherm in fifth, Miami On Fire in sixth, Kelsos Spiffy in seventh, and Gm's Giovanni in last. It should be noted that despite Xtreme and Flora, the rest of the field were all within three lengths of each other at the finish line.
Congratulation head out to Kennel Owner Lester Raines, Greyhound Owner Deb Strickland, Trainer Mike Gerard, and everyone else connected with this wonderful greyhound. A puppy no more Really Xtreme could be the best sprinter at the racetrack right now. He is firing on all cylinder and as he gains experience he might get even better. Now that's a scary thought! He is not short either and might even be gearing up for a try over the added distance for the upcoming 660 Orange Park Derby. Xtreme is from the first litter of the 2007 All-American Afleet Alex, sister to our giveaway pup Afleet Red, and the first stakes winner out of the Orange Park All-American.
No matter what lies ahead for this talented greyhound, you better get used to the name. REALLY XTREME. Why? I have a feeling you are going to get used to hearing it in story after story from us at the Orange Park Kennel Club. This greyhound is the real deal, and is doing his daddy proud, as he takes it to the Xtreme in each and every effort.