Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Preview 2011 Orange Park Derby


12/28/2010 - Preview 2011 Orange Park Derby


The 2011 edition of the Orange Park Derby is right around the corner, and from the look of things, this could be one of the deepest, toughest fields in recent memory.
Even though there are going to be a couple of favorites floating around, there are plenty of new greyhounds trying out the distance for the first time on each and every card and we have some ship ins getting ready.
No greyhound has been more successful in 2010 over the added distance than All-American candidate, and 2010 Orange Park Derby Winner by 9 lengths, Eds Budby. When you think of 660 yard races, he is the greyhound that comes to mind. Over the added distance he has been a machine as he has posted up win, after win, after win, after win. Thru the year at 660 yards he has compiled a record of 56 starts, 32 wins, 8 places, 5 shows, and 3 fourth place finishes.
What is even more impressive is how he wins races. From the lead, or from off the pace, Budby does whatever he needs to do it get it done, and he can string those wins together like no other greyhound. On the year he has runs of 3 or more wins on 6 occasions, including streaks of 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, and 8 in a row at the end of this year.
Budby is no one trick pony though, he has also run well over the 550 yard course. Overall his totals are 66 starts, 35 wins, 11 places, 6 shows, and 5 fourth place efforts. Included in those numbers is his 2nd place finish in the finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup, as he just missed his second stakes title by a length at the wire.
Resting up now, Budby is getting everything rip roaring and ready to go to try and defend his title as the Orange Park Derby Champ, and he is going to need it as these other greyhounds are looking to knock him off.
Kiowa Deli Dee had been the hottest greyhound currently running over the 660 yard course at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Before her last race, she has won 8 races in a row in box to wire fashion. She was untouchable on the front end and made the rest of the field feel like they had no say in the matter.
Breaking has always been the key to her success, and once in front, she can be very hard to take down before the wire. Peaking at the right time, Deli Dee is looking to make her first start over the added distance in a stakes race. She missed last year's Orange Park Derby and if she keep breaking, and running, like she has been recently, this field better be concerned, very concerned about her.
Another greyhound to notice is the recent addition to the Red Oak Racing roster. Djays Octane has joined the ranks of greyhounds at the Orange Park Kennel Club from Southland, and to say this greyhound knows how to win races is an understatement.
Octane is a well traveled stakes winner over 660 yards and has just missed in several other stakes events at the shorter Southland distance of 583 yards. He is no stranger to tough competition and thrives on it with each and every stakes start that he gets. He even won qualifying rounds of a660 yard stakes at Derby Lane too.
Even though he is new to the racetrack, Djays Octane must already be considered a threat to steal away the Orange Park Derby title, just like another Southland shipper did back in 2006, and his name was DAC!
Last but not least let's take a look at a greyhound that has never even run a 660 yard race, and he still might be the one to beat for the whole thing. Really Xtreme was the recent winner of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile, and if you have seen this phenom run, then you know just what I am talking about.
His daddy, All-American Afleet Alex, has passed along some great traits to this special youngster and so far he has put them to good use. He went undefeated to grade A and finished 4th in the finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup in just his 14th career start. He came right back from that triumph and took home another with his stakes title in his 21st career effort.
With a combination of a great rush from the starting box, and his power coming home over 550 yards, this greyhound looks like a natural for the added distance. Also working in his favor is that two of his littermates have already took the jump to the added distance and both have shown that they can go the route. He is better than both and should be better than both at any distance.
Watch out for him as your sleeper pick as the Ice Man has come to the 660 yard course and if he all goes his way, he might have a shot at back to back stakes title.
Others to consider could be:

La's Lucy, last year's Orange Park Derby pre-race favorite, who is rounding back into form with 3 wins in her last 5 starts.
Paddy Whacker. A stakes winner and proven tough greyhound that has taken well to the move to 660 yards. Even though he has not won over the distance yet, he has been a tough competitor in each and every effort.
Kiowa Trent Tam. She has won 2 of her last 3 races over the route and along with her brother Tovi, she provides a dynamic duo to contend with.
Two more names come to mind too as both were finalists in last year's Orange Park Derby, and both have won their last start.
Uss Fine Touch was a converted sprinter and has been flourishing over 550 yards, but could easily jump back for the stakes.
Holly Noelle is the other greyhound, but her win was over even a greater distance, try 770 yards. She is tough on top and breaking is what got her into the finals last year and she seems to have not lost her touch.
Get ready on the 14th, as the entries will be in for the stakes and you will see if your favorite will be making the plunge to the added distance. The real fun and excitement gets under way on January 21st in the first round of the stakes. The second round will run on January 24th, and the third round will go on January 28th. The Semi-finals will take place on January 31st, and the finals of the 2011 Orange Park Derby will run on Saturday evening February 5th at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
Like I said at the start, this race looks to be one of the toughest and deepest in recent memory, and just because the big names might be the favorites, you never know who is going to win the title. That's why we run the races!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Seeking More Excellence


Friday - 12/17/2010


Another fantastic weekend ahead at the Orange Park Kennel Club, with the best of the best at 550 and 660 yards heading to post. Also remember that we have another marathon race on the card for Friday evening.



Tune it to see some of the best greyhounds in the country head to post, and compete against each other here throughout the weekend.



The fun starts out in the 10th race on the card for Friday evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club.



1. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) just won the puppy stakes with ease from this every same post. If he comes to run, it could be back to back monster wins from this talented pup. Doing his All-American Daddy, Afleet Alex, proud again!



2. Kiowa Mc Gee (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Kiowa Wild Color) finished 4th in the stakes, but gets a much better post position in this effort. He loves the rail, and will be looking to get some revenge in this one!



3. Sunsands Dream (Extruding Dream - Sunsands Petsie) moved back to grade A with a near box to wire win in her last effort. She is best near the lead, so a big break will be needed again in this effort.



4. Steel Reserve (Iruska All Star - Gable Pops) found his break in his last race and survived at the wire to join the grade A ranks again tonight. He too is best close early, so he needs to hit the lid again here.



5. May's Amata (Can You Hear Me - Kb's Mayflower) is a bit of an all or nothing greyhound. So, above everyone else, she really needs to make sure she breaks well tonight. If she is behind early, from this tough box, forget about her.



6. Kiowa Top Design (Dodgem By Design - Flying Acme) doesn't mind the outside posts and in a race full of frontrunners, this greyhound has an edge. He can go from off or on the pace, and that will help him factor tonight.



7. Pat C Sis In Law (Lonesome Cry - Pat C Velvet Sis) took advantage of some trouble behind her in her last effort and stole away an easy victory. Here she is up in class and if she is not close early on, it could be a long evening.



8. Braska Deacon (Oshkosh Slammer - Cherry Baby) has won back to back races and 4 in his last 6 efforts. He has been breaking really well and holing on at the wire to win. If he can see the lead, he will be a tough out tonight.



Although it could be crowded early on in this race, Really Xtreme has just too much going for him not to win this effort. He has the best raw speed, the best post position, the best recent record, and he just won a stakes final over 8 lengths in his last effort! All he has to do is break around the front and he should prove unstoppable in this effort. Braska Deacon is not going to make it too easy though. He has also won 4 of his last 6 effort and with back to back scores in grade A, he knows how to get it done. He runs his best on the front end, so breaking quickly from this good post position is a must. Kiowa Mc Gee gets a great post position in this race and that might just help him have a chance at revenge in this effort. He was 4th in the finals of the stakes behind Xtreme, and it was a big race for him as he overcame trouble to drive and get there. He is getting better with every start and the more experience he has, the more he is turning into a complete greyhound. Granted he might not see the lead tonight, be he should keep on coming throughout and find a way to challenge. Kiowa Top Design is another greyhound not to be forgot about in this effort. He has all the tools needed to win this race, just like he has done so many times before in grade A. He doesn't mind the post, he has enough late speed to threaten, and he has been in the trifecta in 5 of his last 6 efforts. All he needs is a little room early on and he will be a threat again in this effort. (1-8-2-6)









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Saturday - 12/18/2010

Race three on the weekend will be the 15th and final one on the card for Saturday Evening.



1. Dirty Picture (Coldwater Konow - Chance With Me) is having a tough go of it in A so far, but previous he won 3 of 4 starts on the front end. With the one box tonight, he might have a shot to rebound.



2. Kanuka (Fuzzys Cannon - Well Chosen) loves the rail and gets a great post to start this race from. Up in grade, she needs to bring her A game tonight. Breaking fast will be her best asset in this effort.



3. Tipsy Brutus W (Tipsy Character - Jetstar Streaker) is a good closer over the 660 yard course and just recently won a marathon race. With a strong almost midtrack post, he should be making up ground throughout.



4. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) has moved back to 660 yards and is still getting his feet wet again over the distance. He is a strong competitor over here and should contend with every stride tonight.



5. Kiowa Vic (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) has been running tough and as long as he is close, he is a threat in any race. The post is his biggest downfall in this effort. A strict rail runner, he needs to find a way inside tonight.



6. Kelsos Puremagic (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) has taken well to the switch to 660 yards, and as long as she breaks, she is a force to be reckoned with. She has tools to win, she just needs to use them.



7. Kiowa Deli Dee (Flying Stanley - Kiowa About Deli) has not been touched in 6 efforts in a row. She has nothing but ones showing on the scoreboard. Breaking fast again, they are going to be hard pressed to stop this streak.



8. Gs Jaxson (Lewis And Wax - Gs Kayla) is riding high off a monster win in his last effort. He was clearly the best and gets another great outside post position. Not just a one trick pony, this greyhound will close and challenge here.



No doubt who to pick in this effort, Kiowa Deli Dee! This greyhound has been in a league all her own, and since moving away from Budby, no one has been able to beat her. She has broke to the lead in each of her last 6 races in a row and went box to wire for the win. All 1's showing on the page, she will continue her torrid start, and hang tough throughout as the streak continues tonight. Trying to chase her down before the finish line will be Gs Jaxson. This greyhound is completely at home from the outside part of the racetrack and is riding high off of a huge victory in his last effort. He won't be able to match the early speed of Deli Dee as they go thru the early stages, but he might be able to chip away at it throughout. If he can get to her before the stretch run, he might have a chance to win. Kiowa Trent Tovi is a better breaker and should be forcing the pace from the starting box to the wire in this effort. Sure he wishes he was a bit more on the rail, but he will do ok from the 4 box tonight. If he can get some help, he is not out of the realm of possible winners of this race. Closing is Tipsy Brutus W forte and he will be showcasing that once again in this effort. Near the midtrack here in the 3 box, he should be at home at the start. As long as he can get around cleanly, he will continue to move forward in this effort. If he does decide to break well, it could be really interesting at the finish line tonight. (7-8-4-3)









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Saturday - 12/18/2010

The second feature race on the weekend comes our way in the 11th race on the card for Saturday Matinee.



1. Farve's A Viking (Flying Stanley - Greys Bombayduck) can be tough when he gets clear, but you never really know when that is. Tonight could be a touchdown or an interception! We'll have to wait and see.



2. Smokin Az Becket (Team Record* - Ptl Linda) likes to race from the rail and gets to start near it in this race. He has good early speed and when he breaks well, he can contend. He needs to step up again today.



3. Kiowa Gooddesign (Dodgem By Design - Flying Acme) is the best early speed greyhound in this race and could wire this field on the lead everything goes his way. Posted up well today, it might just be box to wire time again.



4. Howdoyoulikethat (Lonesome Cry - Here's The Thing) is back in grade A hot off a win in this last effort. He is all rail all the time and will need a clear path to get there today. If he can hit the lid again, watch out!



5. Ru Tuff Enuf (Let's Winendine - Faith Keeper) is in a TUFF post here in the 5 box, but it's time to overcome it and get back to winning. He will get room early on, empty box & rail breaker, let's see what he does with it.



6. Where's Lil Tiny (Lonesome Cry - Cm Lil Bit) is all about being close early on in the race. Without a solid break, she will be overmatched in this effort. If she does decide to come out running, she might have a chance.



7. Big Drama (Get Over - Rooftop Flojo) is a solid grade A competitor that finds herself in another tough post. She loves the rail, and breaking outside is not her forte. Look for her to close though, and threaten late.



8. Se's Roda Ram (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Winfra Ramora) is tough when she can get to the lead, but she has not been as consistent as she has wanted to be. Still getting used to the new surroundings, today she could be upset minded again.



Time to see if he really is Tuff Enuf. Recently this 5 box has given him fits, but he clearly the choice in this field. He has the best skills and the best raw talent, he just needs to put them together once again. He will get a bit of a break here as the 2 thru 4 greyhounds will all go to the rail early on, and give him some extra room to rush the turn. With the closing speed he posses, all he has to do is be around early on and he should prove best at the finish line. Dukeing it out on the early lead will be Kiowa Gooddesign and Smokin Az Becket. Both greyhounds are posted up, both greyhounds have great early speed, and both want the lead and the win in this effort. If they both decide to show off all they have from the starting box, either one of them could pull off the upset in this race. Slight edge early to Gooddesign as he is just a step better from the box, but the late edge goes the other way as Becket is not quite as short as Gooddesign is in the stretch. If there is trouble behind, one of these two should be the winner. Trying to make all the early speed moot will be Big Drama. This greyhound is the best closer in the field and can come on with the best of them at the racetrack in the stretch. He biggest hurdle in this effort is the post position. She loves to race on the rail and has to start out this effort on the outside once again! She has been stuck there for 6 efforts in a row and has only one in the money effort to show for it. Breaking well would go a long way to help her out in this effort. (5-3-2-7)









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Sunday - 12/19/2010

Race three on the weekend will be the 15th and final one on the card for Saturday Evening.



1. Dirty Picture (Coldwater Konow - Chance With Me) is having a tough go of it in A so far, but previous he won 3 of 4 starts on the front end. With the one box tonight, he might have a shot to rebound.



2. Kanuka (Fuzzys Cannon - Well Chosen) loves the rail and gets a great post to start this race from. Up in grade, she needs to bring her A game tonight. Breaking fast will be her best asset in this effort.



3. Tipsy Brutus W (Tipsy Character - Jetstar Streaker) is a good closer over the 660 yard course and just recently won a marathon race. With a strong almost midtrack post, he should be making up ground throughout.



4. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) has moved back to 660 yards and is still getting his feet wet again over the distance. He is a strong competitor over here and should contend with every stride tonight.



5. Kiowa Vic (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) has been running tough and as long as he is close, he is a threat in any race. The post is his biggest downfall in this effort. A strict rail runner, he needs to find a way inside tonight.



6. Kelsos Puremagic (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) has taken well to the switch to 660 yards, and as long as she breaks, she is a force to be reckoned with. She has tools to win, she just needs to use them.



7. Kiowa Deli Dee (Flying Stanley - Kiowa About Deli) has not been touched in 6 efforts in a row. She has nothing but ones showing on the scoreboard. Breaking fast again, they are going to be hard pressed to stop this streak.



8. Gs Jaxson (Lewis And Wax - Gs Kayla) is riding high off a monster win in his last effort. He was clearly the best and gets another great outside post position. Not just a one trick pony, this greyhound will close and challenge here.



No doubt who to pick in this effort, Kiowa Deli Dee! This greyhound has been in a league all her own, and since moving away from Budby, no one has been able to beat her. She has broke to the lead in each of her last 6 races in a row and went box to wire for the win. All 1's showing on the page, she will continue her torrid start, and hang tough throughout as the streak continues tonight. Trying to chase her down before the finish line will be Gs Jaxson. This greyhound is completely at home from the outside part of the racetrack and is riding high off of a huge victory in his last effort. He won't be able to match the early speed of Deli Dee as they go thru the early stages, but he might be able to chip away at it throughout. If he can get to her before the stretch run, he might have a chance to win. Kiowa Trent Tovi is a better breaker and should be forcing the pace from the starting box to the wire in this effort. Sure he wishes he was a bit more on the rail, but he will do ok from the 4 box tonight. If he can get some help, he is not out of the realm of possible winners of this race. Closing is Tipsy Brutus W forte and he will be showcasing that once again in this effort. Near the midtrack here in the 3 box, he should be at home at the start. As long as he can get around cleanly, he will continue to move forward in this effort. If he does decide to break well, it could be really interesting at the finish line tonight. (7-8-4-3)

Monday, December 13, 2010

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.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Super Saturday at Orange Park


What a great Saturday evening we are going to have at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Not only do we have the finals of our 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile, we have plenty of other great things going on.
Our holiday promotion is going on and we will be giving away thousands of dollars in cash and prizes and a flat screen TV after the 11th race. To get in of the big prize, you need to know a little about racing, or just be lucky. You have to select the winner of the race and place your entry in the winner box. The winner of the TV will be selected from all the entries that are placed in the winner's box.
Another added bonus not to miss is our first 770 yard race since the one that ran in the Night of Stars. Against a mixed field of greyhounds there might be a stand out as Starla Vintage, who finished 2nd in the NOS race, is posted up here in the 3 box.
An exciting pup makes his debut in the 7th race as, Locall Torino looks like the real deal. He has breezed thru the grading ladder and just missed a perfect trip to grade A by a head. He has been breaking very quickly and is not short at all at the end of the race. He has been racing off late and in the race he missed, he came from way off the pace to challenge at the wire. Keep it eye out for him in the future.
Now for the showstopper, the finals of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile will come your way in the 11th race on the card. Let's take a better look at this race.

1. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) will be the race favorite in this race and he might have won this race even without the 1 box. With the 1 box, he should get clear early, and if he is, it could be a long night of the opposition. He clearly is the fastest greyhound in this field, and the one to beat tonight.

2. Kelsos Spiffy (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) is the best closer in this race, but if she breaks, she could be the all out winner. She has late speed the rest only dream about, and from the rail she can be extra tough. The post will help her out tonight and that might be just enough to get her over the edge in this effort.
3. General Sherm (Deerfield Site* - Mystic Opal) is still riding high of his first grade A win, but he will needs to keep up the work in this race. He doesn't mind the inside post and the 3 box is fine for him to start from. With a good mix of early and late speed, he could be a threat throughout in this one.
4. Miami On Fire (San Tan Riffraff - Gottagetitdone) is the hottest greyhound going right now in the stakes. Winning his last 3 efforts in a row, he is on FIRE, but the post position might just cool him off a bit in this effort. He can break, and he can close, so he is never out of any race. If he gets clear early, he will put up a big fight tonight.
5. Kiowa Mc Gee (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Kiowa Wild Color) matured well in the stakes rounds and became a bit more a complete greyhounds and a little less of a front or nothing runner. Working against him in this race has to be the 5 box. He runs his best on the rail, and will need to find a way to get there early on in this effort. If he doesn't break well tonight, it could be a long trip around the oval.
6. May's Flora (Can You Hear Me - Kb's Mayflower) is the best early speed greyhound in this race and the one to catch before the finish line. She can run from anywhere because of all her early speed, but she would have liked to start more near the rail in this effort. She pays for it in the stretch, and is short, short, short, heading for the wire. Now the real question is, Can she hold on to win? Can she hold on in the money? We will see.
7. Scottish Dreamer (Droppys Vieri - Crystal Chrysler) was more consistent in the rounds that any other greyhound. Never finishing out of the trifecta, she was money in each and every start. She has the tools to win, and she gives all she has in each and every effort. From a post that she likes, she should rush early, and factor throughout once again.
8. Gm's Giovanni (Oya Tom Terrific - Gs Flame) was hoping and praying for an 8 box and he GOT IT! Now the rest is up to him. In round 1 he shocked everyone with a box to wire win from this post, and tonight he needs another personal best if he wants to take down this talented field. Never caught on the lead, he needs to find a way to get his nose in front early on.
Ok so here we go with a little race breakdown. I like Really Xtreme to win this race. A wise man once told me that in stakes finals a lot of things go into who is going to win. Post position, grade, class, early speed, etc., but on with all things being equal, it's the best greyhound that takes the trophy. Xtreme to me is the best greyhound. He has the best raw speed of anyone in this field. He is simply faster than the rest. He has a solid break, a big rush, and once in front he just keeps running up the score. Here he also gets the 1 box and a slower breaker to his outside. That will give him room early and allow him to apply his trade. Look for him to stalk the pace early on and prove too much for the leader, and the competition late. Second best I like Kelsos Spiffy. Spiffy is probably the only greyhound in this field that could really run with Xtreme in the open if they locked up early on. She has great closing speed and as of late she has been breaking much better. She like the rail and gets it here in the 2 box. She is a complete greyhound, but has the occasion to sit early and let the leaders go just a bit too far before she starts to make her run. If she comes out fast, she can win this race, but to me that is a big IF. I look for her to weave her way thru the race and come flying up late to just miss winning this effort. Scottish Dreamer has to get a look here for the simple fact that she is in the groove right now. She is firing on all cylinders and gets a good post position to start this race from. She might not be the speediest greyhound, she might not be winning a bunch in a row, she might not be dominating fields, but she has a great rush to the turn, will get room early, and she will contend throughout once again in this race. Now for the final spot in the superfecta we leave the greyhound that will be in the lead early on. May's Flora is easily the best early speed greyhound in this race. She can fly from the starting box and steal a lead over anyone in this field. With all of this early dominance, she has to pay for it in some way and that comes at the end of the race. She is short, short, short in the stretch and at the finish line. She has not held on for the win in a while and will have a hard time keeping the competition at bay at the end of this effort. She has the tools to get it done on the lead though, but if she is going to win, she will need some major help behind her in this effort. (1-2-7-6)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Semi-Finals of the Jacksonville Juvenile


Monday - 12/6/2010
And now it gets INTERESTING! The semi-finals of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile are upon us and all the puppies are ready to go. All 24 of the greyhounds remaining will be vying for a spot in the final 8 positions on Saturday Evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
Don't forget that along with the stakes final, we will run our holiday promotion and be giving away thousands in cash and prizes, and a flat screen TV.
So grab some friends, and make some plans, to be here with us on Saturday Evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

Now back to the semi-finals and the first of three races on the card for Monday evening heads our way in the 7th.
1. Craigie Ironlad (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Greys Starwishes) loves the rail and gets it here in the 1 box. He has great closing speed and will need it here tonight. Let's see if he can rebound in this effort.
2. Kb's Iron Mike (Lonesome Cry - Kb's Mossy Tek) is a solid chaser that gets another good post to break from. With a bit of close in his step, he needs find his break if he wants a shot at the finals.
3. Touch My Hand (Coldwater Kellin - Midnight Venture) has been a threat throughout in the rounds and the pace keeps up tonight. From another almost midtrack post, expect a quality effort here.
4. Playboy Joe (Joe Hearns - Too Late) has shown some good early speed as of late and if he can get out again he might have a longshot at the win here. He is short though, so he will need some help behind.
5. Scottish Dreamer (Droppys Vieri - Crystal Chrysler) has really stepped up her game at the right time. She has been breaking & running really tough. No matter the post, she will factor again in this one.
6. General Sherm (Deerfield Site* - Mystic Opal) is a big strong closer that needs to make up for the one race that he missed the money. He has enough late to get it done before the wire, but needs to break close in order to have a shot.
7. Gs Quasimoto (Afleet Alex - Gm's Peachykeen) is better than his lines show and sitting in the box the last couple of starts have done him no favors. If he can get around early, he will be a threat at the finish.

8. Hs Butane (Ben Awhile - Flying Santan) has all the tools to win this race, he just needs to step up and use them. Away from the crowd, he should be clear early, if he finds his break, he has a chance to win.
Before the stakes rounds Hs Butane was on a tear with 6 efforts in a row in the quiniela, In a couple of the stakes efforts he has not broke from the box well and it has cost him dearly. His only hope to make the finals is to come out running in this effort. From a post where he should get a good look and a clean trip to the turn, he has all the stuff going in his favor. All he has to do is break, and he has a good shot to win this race. Scottish Dreamer has been firing on all cylinders right now and the car is not going to turn off before the finish line tonight. Who cares about the post, Not him. As long as he continues to come out quickly at the start of the race and rush to the turn like he has been, he should be able to keep the drive alive and challenge the leaders throughout. Touch My Hand is well overdue for a big effort. Ok, so it's not like he has been slacking, but he just have not been winning races. He has been oh so close in each and every start and if he wants a chance here, he needs to find his break and the front end at the start of this race. Kb's Iron Mike is better than his lines show. I know he has been a factor in almost all of his efforts, but previous to the lines showing, he was breaking well and winning races. He has his hands full once again in this effort, but from a great starting box, he could find some of that old magic tonight. (8-5-3-2)

The second race in the stakes takes place in the first half of the forced out twin-trifecta, the 10th on the card.
1. Miami On Fire (San Tan Riffraff - Gottagetitdone) is living up to his name so far in the stakes. Granted he missed in round one, but with back to back wins, he is on a roll and posted up. Look out for him here.

2. Gm's Giovanni (Oya Tom Terrific - Gs Flame) is out to prove a point in the stakes with a win and 3 quality efforts. He has a good rush and can hang with anyone late. From an inside post, he needs to break.
3. Ethel's Pick (Flying Penske - M's Elizabeth) has flashed some good closing speed in the last couple of starts, but if she gets too far behind too early on, she is up a creek without a paddle. Posted well, she needs a big early effort.
4. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) is clearly the one to beat in the stakes. He is frankly just better than the rest of the field and has proved it with back to back wins. His only obstacle tonight, the 4 box.
5. Z Sevinteawon (Mulberry Gus - Greys Red Ribbon) can close a bit at the end of the race, but draws his third midtrack post in a row. Here he needs to break better, or he could be in a world of hurt at the 1st turn.
6. Cheyenne Rascal (Kiowa Mon Manny - Payday Robin) had been breaking well, until his last effort, in the stakes and was a factor throughout in those efforts. Here he needs to rebound in a big way to factor.
7. My Choice (Lonesome Cry - Nauset Lass) has been a force from the inside, but tonight she will have to try and get it done from the outside. Not the same runner if she is not close to the early lead, so a good start would go a long way to help her out in this effort.
8. Gs Tee Up (Afleet Alex - Gm's Peachykeen) has been a closing force in all of the efforts he has ran in the stakes rounds. Tonight he needs his best trip, and might just get it from this post. He needs a win!
No tough call in this race, just keep riding the horse and take home the easy cashing ticket. Really Xtreme is just that good! This greyhound is head and shoulders above the rest and when he clears early on, the race is over. His only hurdle in this effort will be the post position. He does get xtra room with the empty box next to him though, so I think he will do what he needs to get it done. Miami On Fire has really found in again in his last couple of races with back to back winning efforts. What is more impressive is that he just keeps on coming no matter what and has shown poise far beyond his starts. He will need to get outside from the 1 box in this effort though if he wants to be effective. Gs Tee Up has the post, experience, and determination to do well in this effort, he just needs to be a bit closer at the start of the race. Closing is his best attribute, and he will be making up ground once again in this effort. He needs to put it all on the line tonight, as he will need all the points he can muster if he wants an outside shot at making the finals. Gm's Giovanni has run the best of his career so far in the stakes rounds. He has really been coming out close and has been running tough in each and every effort. Now to a rail post position, this could throw a monkey wrench in the whole works. If he wants a chance to factor tonight, he needs to be close early on. (4-1-8-2)

The final stakes race on the card runs in the 11th race for Monday evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
1. May's Flora (Can You Hear Me - Kb's Mayflower) is the best early speed greyhound in this race and starts off in her best box once again. I know no one beats her to the lead here, but to the finish line is a different story. Can she steal enough to upset? Maybe, just maybe.
2. Gs Prada (Get Over - Nicole's Andrea) runs tough when she is close to the early lead in any race and needs to be there here in order to contend. She likes the rail and that might be the boost she needs in this effort.
3. Kelsos Spiffy (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) is running as hot as anyone right now at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Two in a row and three in four starts, she is on fire. From the lead or from off the pace, she is a threat to win again here.
4. Hs Babe (Flying Stanley - Kiowa Brownsugar) pulled off a big win in round one but since?? Breaking fast is the key to her success and she sat in the box in back to back efforts. Tonight, she needs to hit the lid again.
5. Hanks All Smiles (Deco Deano - Zam Turbo Blitz) might not be winning in the stakes, but this puppy is trying the best that she can. She has been closing throughout and has not missed the money yet. In tough here, she needs to keep it up.
6. Wkl Marly Carly (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Wkl Whitefeather) is only in contention on the lead, without it she is lost. So a huge break is needed again in this effort, or she will have no chance to contend.
7. Kiowa Sue Manny (Kiowa Mon Manny - Kiowa Sweet Sue) has started to wake up and gets a great outside post to start this race from. All she has to do is clear close and she will be in the thick of things at the finish line.
8. Kiowa Mc Gee (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Kiowa Wild Color) has all the tools to win this race, he just has to want to use them. With a win and a second in three efforts, he's in the mix. He needs another big trip to make it to the finals.
Tough to pick against a back to back winner, so I won't! Kelsos Spiffy has been getting close early and terrorizing fields in the stretch. She is as fast as she wants to be and always keeps on moving forward in each and every effort. She has blazing speed and draws another good starting box tonight. All she has to do is be close early on, and this race will be hers too loose. May's Flora will be the greyhound to catch in this effort. She has all the early speed in the world and is starting to figure it all out once again. She loves the rail and gets to start from her best box in her second race in a row. She should outrun everyone to the front, but holding on for this short greyhound could become an issue for her. If she gets some help behind her, she might have a chance to win this effort. Kiowa Sue Manny is coming off a monster win in her last effort and gets another good outside post to start off this race from. She has a good rush to the turn and enough closing speed to be dangerous in the stretch. The post is what makes her a threat tonight. If she gets out, she could be smelling an upset. Hs Babe has the biggest upside of any greyhound in this field, but she has to want it in this effort. No one right around her can break as well as she can when she wants to, and late she can hold her own and is not really all that short. If she could stalk the pace throughout tonight, she could have a chance to be a longshot winner. (3-1-7-4)

Raines Continues to Dominate



The Lester Raines Kennel borrowed a line from a famous song in the 3rd round of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile. You know the old Herman's Hermits song Henry The 8th I Am, "Second Verse Same As The First". The leading point getters for the kennel, in the stakes, both put up back to back victories that almost secures each a spot in the final field on Saturday evening.
Most impressive once again had to be the Afleet Alex offspring, Really Xtreme! This greyhound is far the class of this field and he proved it once again with another tremendous effort. Not only is he winning races, he is destroying fields in the process. This time around he won by almost 7 lengths and stopped the clock in the low 30.30 second range for the second race in a row. If he keeps up this torrid pace, I don't think there is anyone in this field that can hang with him.
Trying her best to get out of her Kennelmates shadow was Kelsos Spiffy. Spiffy has looked strong in all of the stakes rounds too, and with back to back wins, she is making a name for herself as well. She is more of a closer than her counterpart, and used that late speed to run down the early leader in the stretch to steal away another victory in the stakes. If she keeps breaking like she has been, she might be a tough out the further she moves on in the competition.
Kiowa Sue Manny also made some noise for the O'Donnell Kennel as she drew a great starting box and made the most of it with a winning trip. She took quick command of her race and held tough on the lead all the way to the finish line. She crossed in the second fastest time on the card in the stakes and proved that she must not be overlooked in this stakes. If she can keep breaking, she might have a shot at making it into the finals of this race.
The DQ Williams Kennel is not out of the runner either after another impressive win from Miami On Fire. Fire has really started to return to form after a couple of missteps along the way. This win was the 2nd in a row for this nice looking pup, and like most DQ greyhounds, Fire does what needs to be done. Two starts ago he won from behind and in this effort he won on the front end. If he can get clear early on, he could be a threat for a three peat.
The field was cut once again for the Semi-Finals as three races, 24 greyhounds, will be vying for all those important points and a chance to move on to the finals on Monday Evening December 6th at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Orange Park Holiday Promotion - Dec 11th


The Orange Park Kennel Club will be getting into the Holiday spirit on Saturday evening December 11th with our special Holiday Promotion.
After races 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 we will draw 5 names and the lucky winners will get a chance to pull a prize out of Santa's bag of goodies. Prizes include $100 gift cards to Target and Wal-Mart, or $100 in cash.
But the fun isn't over after the 10th race, no way, you have to stick around and handicap the finals of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile in order to have a chance at the grand prize, a 42" TV.
Just choose a winner for the 11th race, place your ticket in the appropriately numbered box, and if your greyhound wins, you might have a chance at the TV.
The winner of the grand prize will be selected from the entries in the winning greyhound of the Jacksonville Juveniles box. For example, if the 8 greyhound wins, 1 winner will be selected from the entries in the #8 box.
Mark your calendars and save some time for us on December 11th as we give away loads of cash and prizes at the Orange Park Kennel Club, in conjunction with the best puppies at the racetrack competing in the finals of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

3rd Round of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile


Now the action really heats up and the third round of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile is upon us. The points are spread out all over the place, and with no undefeated greyhounds left, each and every point will be needed to move on to the next round.

Longshots ruled in round 1, but the favorites rebounded in round 2, who will be the ones to shine inthe 4 races in round 3? Let's find out!
The first stakes quarter-final comes in the 7th race on the card on Friday Evening.
1. Playboy Joe (Joe Hearns - Too Late) was a winner in round 1, but faltured from a tough post in round . Here this rail runner gets the 1 box and will to come out running to use it to the best of his ability.
2. My Choice (Lonesome Cry - Nauset Lass) has stepped up her game in the stakes rounds and the dual rail posts have helped the cause. Tonight from yet another rail post, you might get more of the same.
3. Ww Van Kay Stove (Deerfield Site* - Gale Ww Von Kay) is a wide runner that has a bit of close to her in the stretch. If she wants to contend again from an inside post, she needs to be close early on.
4. Touch My Hand (Coldwater Kellin - Midnight Venture) has some good early speed and has been tough so far in the stakes. He could be overdue for a big breaking effort, tonight could be his night.
5. Craigie Ironlad (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Greys Starwishes) has been on a tear and just keeps coming in each and every one of his efforts. No matter the post, he won't give up here. Look for him late.
6. Payday Lily (Kiowa Mon Manny - Payday Robin) is a steady chaser and might just be a bit better than her lines show. She does need to get to the rail from the outside here. She must break better against this tough field.

7. Gs Tee Up (Afleet Alex - Gm's Peachykeen) is a strong closer that can come on with the best of them. His drawback in this race is the post position. He runs much better inside. From here, he needs to be closer early on.
8. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) rebounded in his last effort with a monster win. Away from the crowd here, he will come out close and give another big effort. This race could get UGLY if he hits it.
Tough to go against a greyhound that has pervious stakes final experience and showed that he could do it again in this stakes in his last effort. Really Xtreme put up and Xtreme effort over everyone in round 2 and from this outside post, he gets room to run, and will make quick work of this field. Once near the lead, this race is over. My Choice gets another rail post and that alone should make her a threat in this race. She has been next best in both rounds of the stakes and could take that to three in this race. All she has to do is keep up the good work. Craigie Ironlad is a closing machine that will be coming on throughout this effort. he has not missed the trifecta in 6 efforts in a row and tonight will not break with that trend. Forget the post, even though he likes the rail, he can close from anywhere, and will be a big time threat late in this effort. Touch My Hand is a strong breaker and rusher that needs to hit the lid in this race. He does get room early with the empty box next to him and it might allow him to get closer to the early lead in this effort. If he does get out first, he might just have a shot at the upset tonight. (8-2-5-4)

The second stakes event will be the 1st half of the forced out Twin-Tri in the 10 race on the card.

1. Kiowa Mc Gee (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Kiowa Wild Color) is a monster on the lead and proved that with a win in round 1 and a no show in round 2. Tonight from the rail post, it might be out and gone time again.
2. Celtic Pup (Droppys Vieri - Crystal Chrysler) found her break in her last race and with an advantageous post position once again in this effort, she hoped to keep coming out fast. If she does break, she could factor throughout.
3. General Sherm (Deerfield Site* - Mystic Opal) put up a big win in round 1, but forgot how to break in round 2. Here he is inside and that will improve his effort. Look for him to be around early and to be a late threat to the leaders.
4. Hs Babe (Flying Stanley - Kiowa Brownsugar) needs to forget about her trouble ridden last effort and get back to the one that saw her win in round 1. She has good early speed & needs to break out fast if she wants to win.
5. Craigie All Hd (Lonesome Cry - Craigie Gotsome) can come from off the pace and challenge late in races, but so far in the stakes he has just barely cracked the money ceiling. Here he needs a better break and rush, so that he can close higher up the ladder.
6. Gs Quasimoto (Afleet Alex - Gm's Peachykeen) like to come on at the end of the race and the outside post suits him well in this effort. He needs to get back to the 1st round effort, and forget the 2nd. If he gets out well, Watch out!
7. Ethel's Pick (Flying Penske - M's Elizabeth) just missed in round 2 as she can from way off the pace to challenge late. She needs to keep up the desire in this race. If she wants to run, she could be a late threat.
8. Miami On Fire (San Tan Riffraff - Gottagetitdone) got back on track in round 2 as he stole a win from off the pace. Here the 8 box is a great place for him to start from. Riding high now, he could have a shot at back to back victories.
Leading the way early on in this race should be Hs Babe. She is really tough near the front end and has enough early speed to get there again at the start of this effort. Close enough to the rail, this greyhound is going to have to step up though as another front runner will be looking to steal away the lead and the win on this field. Kiowa Mc Gee is a bit all or nothing and has shown each during the stakes rounds. He gets the one box here and it might just be enough to cadapult him to the lead and the win in this effort. If he comes to break, and run, this race could be over early on. General Sherm is the best closer in this field and can't be forgotten about in this effort. He is posted well on the inside part of the racetrack and already has won a round of the stakes. He will continue to close, no matter what, in this effort and even if he can't get up for the win, he should be a solid in a money play again tonight. Miami On Fire gets a notice for a couple of reasons. He got off the snide in this last race with a big come from behind win and he gets a great post position to start off this race. He likes it outside and should get room to break and run. If he can get into contention early on, he will be a force to be reckoned with at the finish line. (4-1-3-8)

Race three in the stakes rounds will take place in the 11th race on the card for Friday evening.
1. Gs Prada (Get Over - Nicole's Andrea) got clear in the 2nd round and showed just what she can do in the clear. Tonight she gets her best box and it could lead to another winning effort.
2. Kb's Iron Mike (Lonesome Cry - Kb's Mossy Tek) has been a threat throughout in all of his stakes round and that shouldn't change in this effort. With another good post, and company around early, he will be in the thick of it.
3. Hs Butane (Ben Awhile - Flying Santan) woke up again in his last effort and took home an impressive win. Tonight he looks to continue that trend from a better post position. If he gets out quick, he will be the one to beat.
4. Z Sevinteawon (Mulberry Gus - Greys Red Ribbon) has shown some late speed in the past, but needs to be clear in order to use it. If he can get around the turn in the open, he might have a shot at the money.
5. Gm's Giovanni (Oya Tom Terrific - Gs Flame) was a surprise winner in round 1 and ran tough in roudn 2 as well, but the 5 box is not the 8 box. Getting clear from here is a different story. If he doesn't break, it could be a long night.
6. Mrl Tatum (Mankato - Bow Fast Draw) is better than his lines show, but if he keeps sitting in the box, he might just be who we though he was. He can close a bit at the end of the race, but he has to be around early if he wants to contend.
7. May's Flaco (Can You Hear Me - Kb's Mayflower) is clearly the best early speed greyhound in this race and from the outside he will be unabated to the lead. Now for the real question. Can he hold on all the way to the wire and win?
8. Kiowa Sue Manny (Kiowa Mon Manny - Kiowa Sweet Sue) has some good late speed and used it in her last effort to take home the place spot at the wire. The outside post could help her stay out of trouble here. A big effort is needs if she wants to move on.
Hs Butane is back on track after that good win in round 2 and it's hard to ignore 6 quiniela efforts in his last 7 races. He is clearly the class in this field, and from a good inside post position, he will show it once again in this effort. With a big break, and strong rush to the turn, he should be around the lead early on and prove best at the finish line. Making him work all the way to the wire will be May's Falco. This greyhound has tremendous early speed and seems to have found it once again here at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Aiding him in this effort is the post position and the lack of early speed around him. This is going to be almost a false start from the outside part of the racetrack. He is going to easily be in the early lead in this effort, but can he steal enough to hold on at the wire for the win? That is the question that needs to be answered in this effort. Kb's Iron Mike is going to do what he has been doing so far in the stakes, CONTENDING! This greyhound seems to always be in the mix and even though he has not won a race in awhile, don't count him out in this effort. He is as fast as anyone in this field and if he decides to come out running, it might just be time for him to get back into that winner's circle. Gs Prada also has to be considered a threat to take home a victory. She loves the rail, and draws her best box here with the 1. She has a solid rush and great late speed that might have her finishing up the ladder at the wire. If she breaks and runs like she did in her last effort. All bets could be off tonight. (3-7-2-1)

The final stake race on the card comes in the 12th race, which is the 2nd half of the forced out Twin-Tri.
1. May's Flora (Can You Hear Me - Kb's Mayflower) is the early speed mark to catch in this race. She likes the rail and the one box is the place to be. If she fires out fast, she could last in the money tonight.
2. Sir Oliver (Hallo West Acre - Granpas Princess) loves the rail and is close enough here in the 2 box to be effective. He does need to break though as he is not the same greyhound from far off the pace, than he is when he is close to the lead.
3. Hanks All Smiles (Deco Deano - Zam Turbo Blitz) might have looked over her head a bit at the start, but she has run well in the stakes. She has stuck to her gameplan, closing, and made the most of it. Don't be surprised if she makes the money again.
4. Kelsos Spiffy (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) seems to have the party on again after a big time win in round 2. This greyhound is as fast as she wants to be and can get it done from on or off the pace. No one beats her if she WANTS to run.
5. Scottish Dreamer (Droppys Vieri - Crystal Chrysler) has really got into a groove and has been a threat in all of her last 4 efforts. She is breaking fast and contending throughout. Expect another qualify effort tonight.
6. Sheer Energy (Flying Penske - Kiowa Greg Beth) has shown a bit of close in a couple of his efforts, but needs to really step up his game if he wants to stay in the stakes. Breaking could go a long way in helping him out in this effort.
7. Wkl Marly Carly (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Wkl Whitefeather) exploded from the box in round 2 and held on the way to the wire for the win. She has to do it again if she wants to compete against this talented field.
8. Cheyenne Rascal (Kiowa Mon Manny - Payday Robin) might not be winning, but he sure has been factoring in his last 5 races in a row. He has been close early and been a threat throughout to the leaders. The outside post is ok for him. He looks to factor again.
I'll take the fastest of the fast in this effort and go with Kelsos Spiffy. Ok, so I know she can be a little quirky at times, but still she has a tools set that the rest of the greyhounds only wished they had. She doesn't need to be in front to win this race, she just needs to be around the leaders. With the lead, without the lead, whatever it takes, she finds a way to win in this effort. Scottish Dreamer gets a look here and tries to be the runner-up once again to Spiffy. Previous to that she won in round 1 and made the most of what had been given. With a solid break and room to run early on, she could be looking for an upset in this effort. May's Flora will probably be the one to catch in this race. She has all the early speed in the world and the 1 box to boot. Her problem is that she is short at the end of the race and will be getting run down before the finish line. Her only hope to win is that she hits the lead, steals a big lead, and gets some help behind her. Trying to keep up the good work is Hanks All Smiles. This little girl just keeps on trying in each and every start and although she is not a threat to win by 20, she does have the determination that gets her home in the money. She should be a good under play in your wagers tonight. (4-5-1-3)
The stakes continues on with the Semi-Finals which will run on Monday Evening December 6th. Three races of greyhounds will compete for the top 8 spots on Friday evening December 11th at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Join us for our Holiday Promotion as we give away thousands of dollars in gift cards and a new flat screen TV in the finals of the 2010 Jacksonville Juvenile.