Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Semi-Finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup
The field has been whittled down once again for the Semi-Finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup and three races, 24 greyhounds, remain with a shot to make it into the elite 8 and have a shot at the title on Saturday evening September 4th.
The points have spread out once again after the third round and the top 16 remaining are all within a win of taking the lead in points for the stakes. The finishes in the semi-final will play a big role in who has a shot to run on Saturday, so tonight is going to feature some very interesting races.
The fun gets underway in the 7th race on the card in the first of three stakes events on the card.
1. Gm's Dale (Deerfield Site* - Steffie's Charm) is an early speed monster that gets the bonus of the rail post in this effort. This greyhound pays for it in the stretch though as he is short, short, short at the wire. If he wants to win, he needs to steal 20 and get some help behind.
2. Daycare Ron (Lonesome Cry - Ml Teardrops) might not be winning races, but he has been competitive in all of his stake attempts. Here from another great post, he will make up ground throughout and factor once again.
3. Comedrinkwithme (Dauntless - Instant Vintage) is a strong closer that has already won 2 of the 3 rounds of the stakes. He can break or close and likes to race from this part of the track. If he gets close early, no one will be able to stop him late.
4. Miss Romy (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) needs the rail in order to be effective and it might be a task from this 4 box. If she can get clear, she is a tough as anyone in this field. From the lead or from behind she is a threat. Watch out if she wants to go.
5. Kiowa Shag Along (Flying Stanley - Kiowa Shag Sue) is all about the early speed and needs to hit the lid in order to be effective. Here from the 5 box he will have room, but even on the lead he might get caught. He needs a win if he wants a shot to move on.
6. Howdoyoulikethat (Lonesome Cry - Here's The Thing) draws another tough post in this race and his effort will all depend of whether he can get to the rail or not. He has some closing speed and he will need it in order to rebound. If everything goes his way, he might have a shot to win.
7. Ww Kay Sea (Greys Flamebeau - Ww Kiowa Silver) has closed extremely well over the 550 yard course, but she still needs room in order to get the engines revved up late. Her problem is not letting the lead get too long, or the closing will be a moot point in the stretch.
8. Kelsos Spiffy (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) is coming off a huge win in her last effort from a similar post position. Her key there, and tonight, is getting out of the starting box. When she is close, she is serious, without the lead she has been suspect on occasion. It's all about her desire here!
Well if breaking is the to Kelsos Spiffy's success in this effort, her post and surroundings should get her off to a great start in this effort. First, she likes it out here, second she has a slow breaking greyhound next to her, and third the greyhound inside of that is going straight to the rail when the box opens up. So, that all leads to one thing, she will have ALL kinds of room at the start of this race. All she has to do is be around the lead early, not in the lead, in order to have a good shot at the win. With all of these things going in her favor, not to mention her last effort, she should be the one to beat tonight. This won't be a walk in the park though as Comedrinkwithme is also a closer and has shown that he can win stakes rounds too. He was the last undefeated greyhound in this stakes, winning rounds 1 and 2, and gets another inside post position for the fourth straight round. If he decides to COME out early, this could be quite a battle in the stretch. Leading the way early on will most likely be Gm's Dale. Dale has shown great early speed and has not been beat to the turn in back to back qualifying races. His drawback is that he is short in the stretch and will be once again in this effort. Helping his out is the post position. Gotta love that one box, now if he could just get some help behind him, he might have an shot at an upset. Miss Romy is the other name not to be forgotten about in this effort. She is the only previous stakes finalist in this field and if she gets loose, she is as fast as anyone here. She has the skills to win with or without the lead in any race and like most, she just needs to have a clean trip and want to run in order to contend. It would not be out of the realm of possibility for her to steal away the win in this effort. (8-3-1-4)
The 2nd of 3 stakes events takes place in the 1st half of the Forced out Twin-Trifecta in race 10.
1. Kiowa Vinita (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) has shown some good closing speed in the stakes and has not finished out of the money yet. Hot off a win, and post in another rail post, she might be upset minded tonight.
2. Gm's Chicago (Dodgem By Design - Gs Gertie) was hot heading into the stakes and posted up a big win in round one. Clear from trouble and with the lead he is very tough to take down. He needs to find in break again tonight if he wants a chance to keep going in the stakes.
3. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) might be the Derby Champ, but he has been running strong over 550 too. With a win, and 2 other starts in the money, he is a threat for the finals. The rail post and all out late speed in this effort might earn him a spot.
4. Citation Cam (Flying Penske - Ctw Miss Kelly) is a cagey veteran that has competed in several stakes races. She know how to contend and take home a win or two in the process. So far none in this stakes, but the rounds aren't done yet. If she breaks, tonight might just be her night to shine.
5. Miss Kate (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) must come out of the box well in this effort. Nothing less will give her a chance to post up a victory. She runs her best near the lead, and finds way too much trouble without it. All she has to do is want to run, and it could be time to win again.
6. Kiowa Top Design (Dodgem By Design - Flying Acme) has been on a mission in his last couple of races. He has been breaking best and leaving fields in the lurch. He gets another good post here and it might be 3-peat in this effort.
7. Raiders Bart (Dodgem By Design - Raiders Azeri) is a solid competitor that has been a threat in each and every round of the stakes so far. No matter the post, or competition, Bart will come to run and be a threat throughout again in this effort.
8. Kiowa Trent Tam (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) has done really well in this stakes over the shorter distance, but is a long way from her beloved rail tonight. She needs to find a way inside, but if she can, she will contend for the win once again.
Speed is the key to success once again in this effort and no one has been speeder from the starting box than Kiowa Top Design. WOW, this greyhound has really come into his down has of late and has started to consistently break during the rounds. Once in front he has been tough on the lead and should prove some again in this effort. I'm not saying that his lead won't dwindle with all of the closing power chasing him, but he should steal enough early on to win for the third straight time. Speaking of closers, the best in the field might just be Eds Budby. Noted for his longer distance prowess, Budby has done surprisingly well in this 550 yards stakes. Helping along his way in the semis will be the post position. Budby loves it on the rail and should make up ground throughout again to challenge for the win at the wire. Raiders Bart is the solid chaser that will be forcing the pace from box to wire in this effort. He lines up right next to the big early speeder and will have someone to contend with for the duration of this event. If he can get ahead of the rest at any point in this effort, this race could be his to lose. Kiowa Trent Tam has to be respect here despite the post position. She is a long, long, long way from the rail, but with 6 straight quiniela trips, she cannot be forgot about in this race. Over 550 she has closing gears and has been breaking very well against some early speed machines. If she can get room early and find a way inside, she will factor in the hunt at the wire. (6-3-7-8)
Capping off the evening stakes events, the 11th race on the card is the 3rd and final race of the semis.
1. Leading Steps (Lonesome Cry - Tk Ashira) needs to get back to what he does best, BREAKING! He sat in the box in his last effort and ended a run of back to back in the money efforts in the stakes. He needs to win to move on, so hitting the lid is the ONLY option.
2. Switzler Takeoff (Clappin Thunder - Switzler Firefly) has closed well in the last couple rounds of the stakes and finds herself in an advantageous post position at the start of this effort. If she can get round close, she might just find a way into the cash again tonight.
3. Kiowa Vanessa (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) made the most of those 1 boxes in the last 2 races. This is not the 1 box, but if she breaks like she did in those 2 races, she will be a factor on the front end to the wire again. Holding on for the win might be a stretch, but you never know.
4. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) is riding high of a win last time and needs to parlay that into another strong effort in this race. He has good closing speed, is close to the rail that he loves in this effort. All he needs to do is come out close to the early leaders, and his dreams might come true.
5. Klarissa (Fuzzys Cannon - Well Chosen) has shown some early speed in the stakes, but has proved to be just too short in the stretch to really factor for the win in any effort. Once again in with the best the racetrack has to offer, she needs to find a way to get the front early or it could be all over.
6. Paddy Whacker (Heart Rumble* - Spicy Candy) might just be the fastest greyhound in the stakes, but if he wants another stakes title, he has to make the finals first. Posted well here, he just needs to come out better in order to drive up and challenge at the finish line for the win.
7. Mr. Clark (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) draws another good post to start out this race and his effort is in direct coloration to his break. When he is close early he is as fast as he wants to be, but if he gets too far behind he usually finds trouble. If he wants to break, he could challenge for the lead & the win tonight.
8. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) might be a puppy but he is running well beyond his years. With 8 wins and 11 quinielas in his 12 career starts, he is a man, especially from the outside. With a solid break and closing gears late, he might be the best this field has to offer.
No matter who breaks to the lead in this race I think the true battle comes down to the best two late speed greyhounds in this race. Really Xtreme and Paddy Whacker are the greyhounds that should contend for the win tonight. Both greyhounds have unbelievable raw speed and both can come from off the pace to get up for the win in the later stages of this race. Both greyhounds also get to start from a great post position and will have to do nothing to get to where they want to be on the racetrack. Either one of this duo could break too and then it might just get really ugly around here. In this effort it might just come down to once simple fact that will determined the winning of this race, WHO WANTS IT MORE! Now for the breaking part of the equation, Kiowa Vanessa. She has come out best in her last two races in a row and tonight, even though it is not the one box, she will continue the trend. Holding on has been a problem in the past and against this talented field, it will be again. She will give her all though and run as far as she wants on the lead, once past, she will fade back but should still stay in the money at the finish line. Now for the wildcard, Mr. Clark. Ok, so it's a homer pick, but really I do have some facts behind my selection. He likes to break from the outside and gets another strong post here in the 7 box. He has good early speed, when he wants to break, and if he comes out running he will be ahead of the big dogs to either side of him heading to the turn. He has been running well as of late too with a win and a second place finish in 3 rounds of the stakes. I know this is a huge mountain to climb, but if he sticks to the mantra of I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, it might just turn into I KNOW I CAN. (8-6-3-7)
Kay Smith Time in Round 3
Since Kay Smith's name has not been brought up in a while, I guess her puppies wanted to show that it needed to be. So how did they get that accomplished, but dominating the 3 round of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup.
Kiowa was a name that was seen on the top of 3 of the 4 qualifying rounds and they also finished 2nd in two of those starts.
With that being said, no one was more impressive on the evening than the greyhound not named Kiowa that won a round.
Kelsos Spiffy took over early on in the 11th on the card and never looked back. Although she couldn't really shake loose of Really Xtreme in this effort, she maintained her lead throughout and crossed the finish line comfortable ahead of the rest of the field. What was most impressive about this effort was the time. A 30.33 second clocking is really fast considering Really Xtreme's time of 30.49 seconds in second place would have won any of the other races on the card. When this greyhound wants to run, she is dangerous and she proved it again in the 3rd round.
Of the Kiowa winning trio, Kiowa Top Design was the standout. In the 10th race on the card he did what he does best, break to the lead, and dominated the field all the way to the finish line. This race was over early on as he maintained his 5 length advantage throughout and crossed the finish line in a speedy 30.55 romp. Runner up here was another Kiowa greyhound. Trent Tam finished 2nd once again, for the 3rd straight race, try as he might he just couldn't gain on the leader. This win was Top Design's second in a row in the stakes and if he keeps breaking like this, he might have something to say in the semi-finals and beyond in the stakes.
The other pair of winners were also named Kiowa, but they took home their victories in a b it of a different fashion. Kiowa Trent Tovi in the 7th and Kiowa Vinita in the 9th both closed from off the pace to get up in the stretch for the win.
Post played a big role in Kiowa Trent Tovi's victory. This greyhound is all rail all the time and finally got close enough to the rail to be effective in this effort. Breaking besides the quick starter, Kiowa Vanessa, in the 1 box, he had all kinds of room on the rail to rush up to stalking position at the 1st turn. From that point on he just kept on getting closer and closer to the lead, and in the stretch he proves just too much for her and stole away the win from his fellow Kay Smith counterpart as she drifted wide in the stretch.
Kiowa Vinita race a similar race, but was under a bit more pressure in the stretch. Gm's Dale exploded to the lead in the 9th race and stole away a big margin early on. But as the end of the race approached, that lead evaporated with every step the closers took. By the stretch Vinita was on a mission, but so was the 2010 Orange Park Derby Winner, Eds Budby. Both greyhounds were giving their all in each and every step they took, but only one could come out a winner and that place belonged to Vinita at the wire. A slim length better than Budby at the finish line. All in all a great determined win, and as you know a win by 1 or 100 lengths is still a win.
Semi-finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup run on Monday evening Aug 30th at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Three races remain as the top 24 vie for a spot in the elite 8 and a chance at the title on Saturday evening September 4th.
Kiowa was a name that was seen on the top of 3 of the 4 qualifying rounds and they also finished 2nd in two of those starts.
With that being said, no one was more impressive on the evening than the greyhound not named Kiowa that won a round.
Kelsos Spiffy took over early on in the 11th on the card and never looked back. Although she couldn't really shake loose of Really Xtreme in this effort, she maintained her lead throughout and crossed the finish line comfortable ahead of the rest of the field. What was most impressive about this effort was the time. A 30.33 second clocking is really fast considering Really Xtreme's time of 30.49 seconds in second place would have won any of the other races on the card. When this greyhound wants to run, she is dangerous and she proved it again in the 3rd round.
Of the Kiowa winning trio, Kiowa Top Design was the standout. In the 10th race on the card he did what he does best, break to the lead, and dominated the field all the way to the finish line. This race was over early on as he maintained his 5 length advantage throughout and crossed the finish line in a speedy 30.55 romp. Runner up here was another Kiowa greyhound. Trent Tam finished 2nd once again, for the 3rd straight race, try as he might he just couldn't gain on the leader. This win was Top Design's second in a row in the stakes and if he keeps breaking like this, he might have something to say in the semi-finals and beyond in the stakes.
The other pair of winners were also named Kiowa, but they took home their victories in a b it of a different fashion. Kiowa Trent Tovi in the 7th and Kiowa Vinita in the 9th both closed from off the pace to get up in the stretch for the win.
Post played a big role in Kiowa Trent Tovi's victory. This greyhound is all rail all the time and finally got close enough to the rail to be effective in this effort. Breaking besides the quick starter, Kiowa Vanessa, in the 1 box, he had all kinds of room on the rail to rush up to stalking position at the 1st turn. From that point on he just kept on getting closer and closer to the lead, and in the stretch he proves just too much for her and stole away the win from his fellow Kay Smith counterpart as she drifted wide in the stretch.
Kiowa Vinita race a similar race, but was under a bit more pressure in the stretch. Gm's Dale exploded to the lead in the 9th race and stole away a big margin early on. But as the end of the race approached, that lead evaporated with every step the closers took. By the stretch Vinita was on a mission, but so was the 2010 Orange Park Derby Winner, Eds Budby. Both greyhounds were giving their all in each and every step they took, but only one could come out a winner and that place belonged to Vinita at the wire. A slim length better than Budby at the finish line. All in all a great determined win, and as you know a win by 1 or 100 lengths is still a win.
Semi-finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup run on Monday evening Aug 30th at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Three races remain as the top 24 vie for a spot in the elite 8 and a chance at the title on Saturday evening September 4th.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Scratch-Off Ticket Promotion at OP
Saturday evening September 4th at the Orange Park Kennel Club is going to be a hopping good time at the racetrack.
Not only is this the finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup, we will also be running our SCRATCH OFF TICKET promotion.
The first 1,000 people 18 years of age and older will receive a scratch off ticket, and did I mention that EVERY TICKET IS A WINNER!
No matter if you are first or last, your ticket will win you something here at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
Prizes include:
$20 Betting Voucher
$5 Betting Voucher
$2 Betting Voucher
Small Pepsi
Orange Park Program
Hot Dog
So make your reservations early, because with all of this free stuff being handed out and the finals of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup, Saturday evening September 4th is going to be extra busy at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
3rd Round 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup
Friday - 8/27/2010
The fields have gotten shorter, but the competition has gotten greater here in the 3rd round of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup.
Here in the quarter-finals, there is only 4 races and 32 greyhound left in the competition left and each and every point is needed if you hope to move on in the stakes.
Only one greyhound remains undefeated, Comedrinkwithme from DQ, but there is still a log jam at the top of the standings with 4 greyhounds tied for second, 6 greyhounds tied for third, and three more within a few points of joining the rest.
So buckle up and get ready for some great greyhound racing here in the third round.
The first of the four events comes our way in the 7th race on the card for Friday evening.
1. Kiowa Vanessa (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) upset the field and posted the fastest time of the night in round 2 from this very same post. If she hits the lid again, it could be a repeat performance.
2. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) is faring well so far in the stakes even though it has been at 550 yards. Here he finally draws a rail post and that should up the ante. Cashing in? Maybe.
3. Hanks Diana (Lonesome Cry - Dolly Madison) has had a couple of rough trips in the stakes. If railer post might get her out better in this effort, and trust me, she needs it. If she does break, she could contend.
4. Sunsand Fannymay (Lonesome Cry - Sunsands Sienna) is slowly finding her break again and it is happening against the best at the racetrack. Two tries, two in the money efforts. Three-peat?
5. Cayenne Ferrari (Dodgem By Design - Cayenne Jet) was posted last time out and failed to fire, here from the 5 box things are going to be tougher. He still has the late speed to challenge, he just needs to get the engine revved up.
6. Citation Cam (Flying Penske - Ctw Miss Kelly) is doing what she does best, breaking and factoring throughout in her races. Here she might have enough early to even get the lead. If she makes it there she could be upset minded.
7. Miss Kate (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) a tale of two races for Kate. A fall, and a win. In each she was in the hunt early, look for more of the same, especially from the same box in her third straight race.
8. Switzler Takeoff (Clappin Thunder - Switzler Firefly) ran a huge race last time out despite being up a grade competition wise. The one box helped out that effort a ton, but she can run from out here too. Being close early will determine how she finishes.
This race should be a very interesting one up front. There are several greyhounds in this race that can break sharply and have the opportunity to steal the lead, and the win, away from the rest of this field. If they all decide to come out running, it could be quite the cluster at the first turn. So who has the advantage, well let's go with the posted up hot hands. Kiowa Vanessa might like to race wide, but from the rail post she really comes out of the starting box in a hurry, especially as of late. In 2010 she has three red blanket efforts and they include a pair of wins and a second place finish. Also working for her is that she is not just an early speed greyhound either, even without the front end she can come from just off the pace to win races too. All she has to do tonight is be around the lead and she should come home a back to back winner. Miss Kate is the other posted up early speed greyhound. I know she is all rail all the time, but like the rest of her litter, she loves to rush up on the outside and move to the rail to contend. She too is coming off a win in round two and it came from the same 7 box she has in this race. Like her counterpart she is not just early speed either, she too can close a bit when needed. If she does get her nose in front in this effort, this field might have a tough night ahead of them. Citation Cam is the cagey veteran and always has to be accounted for. You never know when she is going to hit the lid and leave a field in her dust, and since it hasn't happened in the stakes so far, and she needs the points, everyone better watch out. Just missing last time out, tonight could be her night to show up. Kiowa Trent Tovi might get overlooked here, but there are a couple of things to remember. This is the first rail post position this greyhound has had in a long time, he has taken well once again to the 550 yard course, and he has enough late speed to take down all the early speeders at the finish line if he gets around close. Don't forget about him in this effort. He might not get up for the win, but factoring with everyone at the wire is a distinct possibility. (1-7-6-2)
Race 9 on the card is the second of four stakes races on the card in the quarter-finals.
1. Leading Steps (Lonesome Cry - Tk Ashira) is the best early speed greyhound in this race and maybe the whole stakes. His only drawback is that he can be caught late, and the big closers lurk to his outside tonight.
2. Daycare Ron (Lonesome Cry - Ml Teardrops) has not missed the money in 6 straight and has run well so far in the stakes. The post will help against this stronger field and he might just keep the streak intact here.
3. Kiowa Vinita (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) has been a solid factor in grade A and that has translated well to the stakes rounds. She can run from anywhere as long as she breaks close, with some close she could contend again.
4. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) stole a win on the lead in round 1, but came back to closing form in round two. He was a late threat, but not for the win. If he wants to steal away the victory, he has to come out quicker.
5. Gm's Dale (Deerfield Site* - Steffie's Charm) is the other big time early speed greyhound in this field, but the 5 box is not his best place to start from. He has been short in both rounds and will be again here. If he wants to make the money again, he must come out running.
6. Gs Ashlynn (Rapido Rambo - Gm's Cutie) is a big closer over the short distance. She likes it wide and is posted up well in this race. She needs to get back to winning if she wants a chance to move on in the stakes.
7. Miss Romy (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) will have to make due here without her beloved rail. She has just missed twice so far in two rounds of the stakes. If she can clear close, she might be able to upset at the finish line.
8. Howdoyoulikethat (Lonesome Cry - Here's The Thing) always seems to find the money in his races at the OPKC. Here he is a long way from the rail, so the break will be extra important to him. If he can get out well, he should be around at the finish line again.
The ninth trip around the racetrack should be a tale of two races. One early, and the other one late. No doubt at all in my mine who is going to the early lead in this race, Leading Steps. Even though he missed his break last time out, he put on a huge rush and still made the lead at the first turn. It did take a lot out of him though as he came up short in the deep stretch. Here he is posted up extremely well and if he breaks like he can in this effort, from this post, he is going to have a ton on the rest of this field early on. The only question that remains in this race is, Can he hold on at the wire for the win? Maybe, but if he does he would have done it over some very strong closing greyhounds. The 2010 Orange Park Derby winner Eds Budby and the 2010 Orange Park Derby Finalist Gs Ashlynn might just have something to say about it. Both greyhound posses huge closing ability over the shorter distance and if either of them can get around close, Leading Steps will not post up a win tonight. Both have the ability to win at this level of competition over this distance and on occasion both have broke well over the shorter distance. How they finish tonight is up to them as both get to start from fairly decent post positions. Miss Romy has to be considered a threat as well. Even though she is not on the rail, she can come on with the best of them late at win races. She can break too, but you can't count on that. The thing you can count on will be the effort. She is going to give her all. Will it be enough to break out of the second place slot? We will see. (4-1-6-7)
More stakes racing action in the 10th race, which happens to be the first half of the Forced out Twin-Trifecta.
1. Ahk Lady Deanna (Coldwater Keelin - C Ya Martinique) is an even runner that has just not gotten out of the box all that well in the stakes rounds. Third race in a row with an inside post, Deanna needs to find that break, or leave the stakes.
2. Comedrinkwithme (Dauntless - Instant Vintage) is the only undefeated greyhound left in the stakes. He has won from the lead and from off the pace. He loves the rail and this is the 2 box. On top of his game, he is going to be tough to beat.
3. Paddy Whacker (Heart Rumble* - Spicy Candy) has looked different in each race. In a tough post in round one, box to wire, in a great post last time, box sitting, and not winning. Here from the inside again, he needs to come out running.
4. Kiowa Kay Share (Solitary Runner - Sol Happy) is a strong closer that just has not gotten around cleanly in either of her stakes attempts, and from the 4 box it might just be 3 races in a row. If she does wake up, look out for her in the stretch.
5. Kiowa Trent Tam (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) has taken the jump to 550 well and has threatened in each of her stakes starts. This time out she is away from her beloved rail and will have to work a bit harder. If she breaks close, she will be there at the finish line.
6. Kiowa Top Design (Dodgem By Design - Flying Acme) has some good early speed skills and wired the field on the lead in round 2. Here she is outside again and if she hits the mark early, she might be in position to post back to back victories.
7. Gm's Chicago (Dodgem By Design - Gs Gertie) is all about the early speed too and should be challenging for the early lead in this effort. He is not that short late, so if he comes to break and run, he might be a contender throughout.
8. Klarissa (Fuzzys Cannon - Well Chosen) got a free pass in round one to a second place effort, but found the going harder from the middle boxes in round 2. Here back outside in the 8 box, she might get around better and she needs to finish well to move on.
Tough to pick against the undefeated greyhound, so I WON'T! Comedrinkwithme is a double threat and can win with or without the early lead in any race. What is making him even more dangerous in this effort is that all of the early speed is away from him on the outside part of the racetrack. He also gets a double bonus with the post position. Why? First he loves the rail and the 2 box is close enough to the rail to be feeling enough at home to win, second Paddy Whacker is next door and is as wide as the house. He will move to the outside part of the racetrack at the break and give Comedrinkwithme all kinds of room to rush the turn. Granted he might not even make the early lead, but at the finish line he will be the winner. Next up the aforementioned Paddy Whacker. This greyhound is just pure guts around the racetrack and no matter what happens to him, what post position he has, or how many lengths he might be behind the competition, he just keeps on coming. He will never give up or never give in and that is the reason that everyone likes him. Here he just can't get left too far behind early on, like he did in his last race, if he wants a chance to take home another stakes win. Now for the early speed, leader, portion of our program. Kiowa Top Design should have that covered and the reason being, the outside post position. He loves it out here and breaks well when he is away from the crowd. He is running high of his last race too, where he put the hurting on Paddy Whacker and the rest of the field on the front end. Holding off the competition late tonight, could be his biggest hurdle. Kiowa Trent Tam might rank further up the ladder in this effort, but the 5 box is a big drawback. She loves the rail and will have to find room early on in order to get there. Closing is what she does best though, so even with trouble she should be able to rebound somewhere into the money at the finish line. If she does decide to hit it, she could be upset minded in this effort. (2-3-6-5)
Capping off the stake rounds for the evening, we tune into the 11th race on the card.
1. Kiowa Shag Along (Flying Stanley - Kiowa Shag Sue) gets the best post draw that she can in this effort. She is a whole different greyhound from this post. She is an early lead machine from here, and can even wire them on the lead. See round 1 where she just missed.
2. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) might be a puppy, but has been running like a stakes vet. This greyhound is the real deal and the best from 2003 All-American Afleet Alex. He can really run from the front, from behind, from where ever. Posted up again, he's a big threat.
3. Yo My Delbert (My Zapper - My Cattie Breeze) might not have the pedigree or name recognition of the rest of the big wigs, but he has been holding his own in the money so far in the stakes. This field is tougher though, so he will need to be at his best tonight.
4. Ww Kay Sea (Greys Flamebeau - Ww Kiowa Sister) came from nowhere to win in the 2nd round and showed some good late speed in round number 1 too. Midtrack is not a problem, but if they steal too much early she won't be able to win. She needs to be closer early to have a shot.
5. Raiders Bart (Dodgem By Design - Raiders Azeri) was on fire before the stakes and has continued that hot running right into the rounds. With a win and a second by a nose, he has been an all out force. Breaking well again here, he should be a factor throughout again tonight.
6. Mr. Clark (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) finally broke in round 2 and held on at the finish line to steal away the win. Tonight he starts from the same box and looks to give a repeat performance. Whatever happens, he needs to break well in order to contend.
7. Kelsos Spiffy (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) needs to forget about the last trouble ridden race and get back to contending. Mostly she is a closer and seems to like it outside. BONUS! So if she can get out of the box at all in this effort, she might have a shot to upset.
8. Smokin Snoopy (Go Joe Jester - Smokin Dizzy) was nowhere to be found in round 1, but made up for it with a threatening effort in round 2. Like he has been in the past, he is rough when he can get around the leaders early on, so the break will be the most critical part of this race.
This race is really going to be something to watch as there is a good mix of early and late speed, puppies and veterans, and posted up greyhounds verses some not in such a good posts. Frankly this effort comes down to who wants to win the most. Who is going to make the most of this opportunity and I have to go with the puppy Really Xtreme. This greyhound is almost unbelievable. With just 11 career starts under his belt, he has been running like he has done this one-hundred times. He is not going to outrun everyone to the lead every time, but he has enough in the stretch to run down almost anyone at the racetrack. He runs tough from the rail and should have it all to himself here as Shag Along should be all alone ahead of him in the early lead. Late no one is going to deny this greyhound that win, and possibly a spot in the finals. Raiders Bart is the seasoned greyhound of the bunch that has won more grade A's that probably anyone else in this field. He strings them together and since the last run was stopped in his last effort, tonight be a good time to start off another run. Known for his early speed, he can from off the pace and almost ran down the not short Mr. Clark in the last race. If he can get around within striking distance, you never know. Mr. Clark also gets some props after back to back big races. The key to his success in those starts was the break. He came out well in both starts and gets another outside post to break from in this effort. If he can continue to press from the start of the race, he will have a good chance to finish in the hunt at the wire. Kiowa Shag Along is the greyhound that all of the rest of this field will be chasing early on. He has fantastic early speed and when breaking from the rail post, it seems to increase his abilities. He does pay for it in the stretch though, and against this talented field, holding on will be quite a task. If he could get some help behind him, he might have a shot at taking down the competition. (2-5-6-1)
DQ Comes to Play in Round 2
Most impressive from this crew had to be Comedrinkwithme. Running in the 5th race on the card, Drinkwithme didn't break like he did in his last start, but with all of that late speed, it really didn't matter. He just kept on coming and picked off the greyhounds ahead of him, one by one, all the way to the finish line. He captured the win near the wire and with this win he stands alone as the only unbeaten greyhound remaining in the stakes.
The other two wins for DQ came in a different manner, but from the same litter. Miss Kate in the 7th race, and Mr. Clark in the 10th, both jumped out fast from the starting box, took command early on, and held on all the way to the finish line for the slim win. Determined on top is what they were as they both stopped the clock at an identical 31.04 seconds in their victories.
The quickest trip this time around came in the 9th race on the card as Kiowa Top Design shocked the field that he was running against. Making the most of the outside post position, he rushed to the early lead at the first turn, drew away down the backside, and held on at the finish for the slim win. Stopping the clock at 30.89 seconds was impressive, but holding off Paddy Whacker late might have been even more of a feat.
The biggest margin of victory was saved for the 11th race as the Afleet Alex pup, Really Xtreme, proved once again that he belongs in the conversation as a possible contender to win the whole thing. Breaking from the one box this closer was way too close too early, and even though he had trouble in this race, he still won by 5 lengths. This puppy doesn't run like a puppy at all, but like a cagey veteran. He is the real deal and everyone better pay attention to him as this stakes progresses. His 30.95 was next best time wise as well.
The other round winners were Kiowa Vanessa in the 12th race in an equaling 30.95 second box to wire run, and Ww Kay Sea who ran a huge race from off the pace in the 4th to get up at the finish line to steal away the win.
The field was cut down to 4 races for the 3rd round which will run on Friday Evening Aug 27th at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
Monday, August 23, 2010
2nd round 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup
Monday - 8/23/2010
A little Herman's Hermits here on a Monday at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
You know, "Second verse, same as the first." It's time for the 2nd round of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup. Seven full races of the best at the racetrack are on tap once again tonight.
If you missed the first round on Friday then you really missed some fantastic greyhound racing. In the 7 stakes events on the card, we had seven different winning kennels. No one doubled up and the points are all spread out all over the place. The 2010 stakes winners stole the show. Paddy Whacker and Eds Budby looked very strong and are well on their way to another finals, but they still have to keep it going if they want to get there.
So let's jump right into the first of seven on the card and it comes your way in the 4th race.
1. Miss Romy (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) gave a game chase in round 1 from the rail and gets another great post to start this race from. Even without the lead she is tough. Upset minded here.
2. Ahk Lady Deanna (Coldwater Keelin - C Ya Martinique) had trouble in round one and still made it into the money. Here from a similar post, he will need to break fast in order to contend.
3. Ww Kay Sea (Greys Flamebeau - Ww Kiowa Sister) closed well after trouble in round one. Breaking better would definitely be in her best interest here. If she gets close early, watch out.
4. Magic Handball (Handball Victory - Magic Scooter) is all about the early speed and was in contention to the 1st turn in the 1st round. There he found trouble, here he needs to stay clear to factor.
5. Jamboree Frankie (My John Q - Slingshot Mary) draws the tough 5 box here and needs to improve on that 5th place finish if he wants to move one. Breaking quick would be his best ally tonight.
6. Lrc Last Dance (Late Late Show - Hot Cargo) couldn't get around the turn in round one, and that needs to improve here. A big rusher, not breaker, she needs to get a lane early on or her fate might be sealed once again.
7. Leading Steps (Lonesome Cry - Tk Ashira) is the best early speed greyhound and the one first round winner in this race. He is tough on top and that is where he is going to be. He is the one to take down.
8. Wp's Commodore (Fuzzys Cannon - M's Countess Amy) was bumped out of contention in round 1 and needs to make amends in this race. With this outside post, he could factor early and often tonight.
Let's burst into the lead and the picks with Leading Steps. No one is going to beat this greyhound to the lead or the turn in this effort. The only question for him is, can he steal enough to hold on late and win again? He kept to the game plan in round one and it went to his advantage. Here will no one coming out to challenge him early on again, it should be back to back victories. Chasing the pace throughout will be posted up duo from the far ends of the racetrack. Miss Romy loves the rail and has enough early to get close and enough late to challenge for the win in this race. She loves this post and has been in the money in 5 races in a row and 7 of 9 in her career wearing red. Winning is not out of the realm of possibilities for her in this effort. Wp's Commodore was in the thick of things last time before getting run into. Here he gets a better post away from the crowd and someone to chase early to the turn. With both of these things working to his advantage, he could decided that it's time to drop a 30.30 something on this field. He has the best raw speed and if he shows up to use it tonight, he could prove unstoppable. Ww Kay Sea is back over 550 yards and has proven to be a strong closer over the shorter distance. She can come on with the best of them, and if you know me at all, I love those closers to complete the super. Winning it all would be a surprise to say the least, but contending late for a bit higher money position could happen. The effort is all up her. (7-1-8-3)
Right back in race 5, we see another stakes qualifying field of greyhounds, the 2nd on the card.
1. Switzler Takeoff (Clappin Thunder - Switzler Firefly) is really up two grades in these stakes rounds and looked out of place from the 5 box in round 1. Here the rail is more her style and the effort should improve.
2. Kiowa Vinita (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) is a solid chaser from the far inside or far outside posts. Another great starting box here for her, so another strong attempt should be made.
3. Comedrinkwithme (Dauntless - Instant Vintage) has really come out of the box strong in back to back efforts, and in turn he has dominated! If he rushes best again, FORGETABOUT IT, he 3-peats!
4. Citation Cam (Flying Penske - Ctw Miss Kelly) is the cagey veteran that can hit the lid and steal away the lead and the win whenever she wants to. You just never know when that is. Better as of late, keep an eye out for her again.
5. Hanks Diana (Lonesome Cry - Dolly Madison) is a solid grade A greyhound that prefers the inside posts. Here she will have to make due from the 5 box. Can she contend? Yes, but she must be close early.
6. Whistle Bit (Get Over - Lap Baby) looked a bit outclassed in round one as she sat in the box and was never really a factor. She has proven in the past she has what it takes to contend, she needs to step up and show it tonight.
7. Tomco Caliber (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Kb's Apostle) is better than his lines show and has run tough here in the past. Coming off a rest it might take a bit to get back on track, but time is running out for him. He needs to step it up now!
8. Kiowa Top Duke (Flying Penske - Kiowa Berma Top) doesn't have a lot going for him in this effort. Out of place, overclassed, and in need of the rail. He is not out of contention though. All he has to do is break quickly and it could be the equalizer in this effort.
Tough to pick against Comedrinkwithme. This greyhound is on fire right now and has posted up back to back winning efforts. His first round romp was the biggest margin of victory on any of the qualifying rounds, and not only did he make the front easily, he drew away from the field with every stride. What makes him double tough is that he can do it without the front end too. From off the pace he is just as dangerous, and tonight despite where he is at the 1st turn, he will give his all and should be the one to beat here. Kiowa Vinita ran a game third in round one and should be staking again throughout once again in this effort. Normally a closer, she too can break on occasion and usually that comes from either the far inside or outside posts. Here from the 2 box she is close enough to the rail to be effective. If she clears early on, she will give the leaders a run for their money. Citation Cam remains the big wildcard in this, and frankly any, race that she runs in. She has been here and done this so many times, but has yet to win that ever elusive stakes title. Breaking is the key to her winning races and she needs to find it again in this effort. Even with a long lead, she might not win here, but it would go a long way to help her contend. So her mantra for the night is, BREAK, BREAK, BREAK! Hanks Diana is a solid grade A competitor that never gives up in any race that she is close in, so a good break will be needed, especially from the 5 box in this effort. She has some closing speed and could use it to her advantage late in this effort. Winning is not forgotten about here for her either, but it would take an exceptional break from the box to get that done. If she wants to run, she will be in the money. (3-2-4-5)
Now on to the 3rd stakes qualifier on the card, the 7th race for Monday evening.
1. Skiddy Banjo (Dodgem By Design - Kansas Factor) is totally out of position in this effort. He likes it wide and this is the one box. He does have some closing speed, so that might help him late. Breaking fast might ease the post too.
2. Bbr Lovely Won (Flying Earnhardt - Bbf Kissthestars) is up 2 grades in this race and will need to step up his game if he wants to hang with the big dogs. He has the chops to go it and from his first inside post in a while, tonight might be the night.
3. Gm's Chicago (Dodgem By Design - Gs Gertie) is on top of his breaking and his game right now. Both have come in handy and even though he had help in round 1, he was still going to win it. To the lead and gone again could be the battle cry tonight.
4. Eds Go Touch (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) is better suited for the longer distances, but if he can get some room to run, he can be a late threat over 550 yards. The problem is the post, the 4 is a tough place to start from to stay clean.
5. Smokin Snoopy (Go Joe Jester - Smokin Dizzy) has been on quite a run, but that ended with trouble in round 1. Tonight the 5 box lurks and so might the return of a trouble trip. If he wants to avoid it, he needs to pop the box.
6. Really Gonnarock (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) saw her 6 race in the money streak end in the 1st round, but this closing puppy will rebound in this effort. She likes it out here and will have a shot to record her 1st ever stakes win.
7. Miss Kate (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) has some bad luck in round 1 and fell, so all the points she can muster will be needed in this effort. She has enough closing speed to contend, she just needs to get around the turn in order to use it.
8. Wp's Clinton (Fuzzys Cannon - M's Countess Amy) likes it outside and has won his last two races on this side of the racetrack. He is at his best on the lead and could clear easily from here. If he comes to run, he could be tough to beat.
Breaking fast will be the key to success in this effort. Gm's Chicago has been the king of that as of late, so I think that he gets the nod again in this effort. He has posted up back to back wins and has looked strong with his nose in front in both of those efforts. Tonight there is no early speeders around him, and if he breaks like he has been, he should be unabated to the early lead. Holding on might be the question here as this field is a bit tougher that the last two he has beat. Stalking throughout and challenging the leaders every step should be Wp's Clinton. This great is more that infatuated with the outside, he absolutely loves it. The wider the better and you can't get wider than the 8 box. He normally breaks fast from out here and tonight that trend should continue. With better overall raw speed than Chicago, Clinton could possibly get to the finish line ahead of everyone. If he does make the lead early, this race will be over. Really Gonnarock might not have the experience as the other greyhounds, but she just as much talent. Everyone needs to forget about that last effort. She found trouble and no one is perfect. Tonight she will rebound from a favorable post as she makes up ground all the way to the finish line. The other name not to forget is Miss Kate. She has to run well here if she wants a chance to even move on in the stakes. Bad luck and a fall might keep her out, but she is not going to go down without a fight. She is a good closer that can hang against the best the racetrack has to offer. Granted she might like the rail posts better than this one, but she will make due. Winning is a big stretch for her, but factoring at the wire in the money could be sure bet if she stays on all fours tonight. (3-8-6-7).
Pushing on to stakes race number 4 on the card featuring the runners in the 9th race.
1. Kane's Commanche (Dodgem By Design - Summer Showers) is not running as well as he has in the past, but the 1 box could change all of that in this effort. He has untapped potential, tonight he could find himself.
2. Pat C Bk Shiraz (Black Shiraz - Paradise) is all about breaking and that is something has eluded him over his last several races. Posted up well on the rail in this effort, he needs to get back to breaking in order to contend.
3. Sunsand Fannymay (Lonesome Cry - Sunsands Sienna) was an even chaser in round 1 and even found the money at the wire. Tonight is she wants to up the ante, she will need to come out of the starting box better.
4. Uss Fine Touch (Uss Raceway - Uss Glimmer) totally missed her break in the 1st round and I don't expect it to happen in back to back efforts. She WILL come out running and everyone else is going to have to run her down tonight.
5. Howdoyoulikethat (Lonesome Cry - Here's The Thing) is coming into this race hot off a win in round 1. Here the 5 box is not near the rail and he will have to work to get there. Factoring throughout like he almost always does, Howdoyoulikethat give his all.
6. Kiowa Marcus (Lonesome Cry - Mercedes) is wishing for a clean trip and a possible route to the inside part of the racetrack in this effort. He breaks better from the inside, but will have to make due from the 6. If could be too much to overcome.
7. Paddy Whacker (Heart Rumble* - Spicy Candy) is clearly the class of the racetrack and he proved it again in round 1 with the biggest victory. In a better post position tonight, this race could be even easier to win. If he comes out like he did in his last start, RACE OVER!
8. Kiowa Top Design (Dodgem By Design - Flying Acme) is a strong threat as long as he can get around the turn close in his races. He might not run anyone down late, but he has enough staying power to hang close. If he clears here, he could factor at the finish line.
Do I really need to give you a pick here? Ok, I'll go with Paddy Whacker! This is for sure, without a doubt, his race to lose. He is head and shoulders above this field for a couple of reasons. He is running hot as of late, see his last race where he posted up the fastest time in the rounds, he is a former stakes winner, he knows how to get things done against the best at the racetrack, and he is posted up, in his 16 of 18 in the money winning 6 of his last 8 from the outside post positions. Paddy is the cream of the crop over 550 now and will prove it again in this effort. Here we come 30.30 something! Runner-up is saved for the other stakes round winner in this race, Howdoyoulikethat. This greyhound has enough early to get close and enough left late to maintain that position all the way to the finish line. The post won't matter all the much as he will get extra room with the empty box and the 4 dog jumping to the early lead. All he has to do is chase and secure his position at the finish line. Kiowa Top Design might just be the second best early speed greyhound in this field. What he needs to do is PROVE it. He needs to come out quickly in this effort in order to get around the turn around the leaders. If he can get it done then he should be able to factor at the finish line. Now for the breaking portion of our program. Uss Fine Touch is clearly the best early speed greyhound in this field and she will not miss her break in back to back efforts. She is going to come out running tonight and will take the lead to the stretch. The problem is that she is no match for the chasers in the stretch. Each has more left than she does and her lead just won't be enough to hold on for the win. Giving everything she has on the front end, she come up short of the goal once again in the stretch tonight. (7-5-8-4)
The 5th stakes race on the card comes to us by the way of the 10th race on the card, the first half of the Forced out Twin-Trifecta.
1. Daycare Ron (Lonesome Cry - Ml Teardrops) is a good closer that made up ground well in round 1 of the stakes. A midtrack runner and one box might be misused on him in this effort. He will keep coming, but it might just be too little too late tonight.
2. Cayenne Ferrari (Dodgem By Design - Cayenne Jet) is a good closer like his rail posted buddy but one thing is different, he likes to race from here. This is a great post for him and from here, he normally breaks well. If he gets loose early, he might be upset minded.
3. Raiders Bart (Dodgem By Design - Raiders Azeri) proved once again in round 1 why he is considered a tough out at the Orange Park Kennel Club. He breaks fast and once in front, he is tenacious. With 2 in a row and 4 in 6 starts, he will have a target on his back again tonight.
4. Gabe Candice (Flying Penske - Home Town Charm) is more suited for 660 yards, but can come from off the tailgate and surprise at 550 too. Normally she waits too long to make her move, and that happened already in round 1. She needs to come on sooner to have a shot.
5. Gm's Cashman (Dodgem By Design - Gs Gertie) wins the award for the greyhound that is far better than his lines show. This Night of Stars winner as failed to break in his last 6 races in a row. If he gets it back tonight, he could easily upset this field.
6. Mr. Clark (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) is as fast as he wants to be and was pretty fast in round 1. Here he is posted outside again and should get room early on. If he breaks close, he will be a continuous threat in this effort.
7. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay B Barbierie) is back over 550 yards and fared really well in round 1. He got to the rail and closed late to find the trifecta. Here he is way more outside and will have to work hard to get there without a ruckus. Either way, look for him late.
8. Kiowa Kay Share (Solitary Runner - Sol Happy) has won half of her official races. She has great closing speed and can break fast on occasion. She likes it outside and if she wants to run early, and makes the lead, no one here will be able to catch her.
Going with the hot hand I'm going to take Raiders Bart to win this race. He has been tough for a while now and has proven time and time again that he can beat a good group of grade A greyhounds. With 2 wins in a row and 4 in his last 6 efforts, he is on fire and is the one to not only beat to the lead but the finish line. He has not speed around him at all and he should be in front in the first couple of steps from the starting box. Once there the closers will be coming, but this greyhound is not short and will coast around the racetrack for the win. Coming the closest to taking down Bart before the finish line will be Kiowa Kay Share. This greyhound loves it out here and is a strong closer to boot. She could even possible break close, like she did 6 races back, and turn on a stretch charge to make it interesting at the finish line. If everything goes her way, she has a shot to beat Bart in this effort. Mr. Clark must also get a look in this effort. He too is posted up well and even though it is away from his beloved rail. From the outside post he breaks better and that is all he needs in order to be effective. When he is close is when he runs his best and if he could beat everyone to the turn, he too could have a shot at the upset in this effort. With only one true early speed greyhound here, Bart, Mr. Clark is poised to make some noise. Cayenne Ferrari is all revved up and ready to close from her favorite spot on the racetrack, THE RAIL. She loves it inside and will make the most of the post once again in this effort. Belated though it will be, she will give her all in the stretch in order to challenge the leaders as they approach the finish line. This is her first inside post in her last 8 race and that last time she was inside of the 4 box, she won a grade A race. (3-8-6-2)
The second to the last qualifier comes to you in the 11th race on the card.
1. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) totally sat in the box in round 1 and still managed to finish 2nd. Here from the rail post, expect him to closer early on and for him to get back to winning. The best pup at the track 7 wins & 9 quinielas in 10 official starts.
2. Bf Dora (Dodgem By Design - Sol Lasting) pushed the early pace in round one before being bumped and fading back out of the money late. She is posted better tonight and if she can make the lead early, she might factor better up the ladder at the wire.
3. Ru Tuff Enuf (Let's Winendine - Faith Keeper) still has the jury out on his return to racing. He looked good in the turn up, but the rail dive without the lead in round 1 was ill tried. Here he is closer in the 3 box, but needs to find the break that made him so dangerous in the past.
4. Playboy Joe (Joe Hearns - Too Late) has not been breaking well as of late and in turn he has not been finishing all that well either. He needs to get back to what got him into grade A, his break, and needs a break too. Staying out of trouble would also help him go a long way in this effort .
5. Gs Ashlynn (Rapido Rambo - Gm's Cutie) didn't break and found trouble in round 1 and finished out of the money. Previous to that she had 3 wins in a row. The 5 box is not the outside, but she will have to make up for last time. Closing at 550 is just what she does, so expect a bold finish.
6. Kiowa Shag Along (Flying Stanley - Kiowa Shag Sue) is a monster from the starting box and proved it again in round 1. Ok, so she was short late, but she just missed wiring the field. Expect the same here and if there is help behind her, you never know.
7. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) looked mighty impressive in his first round race, but he did have the 1 box and room at the break. Here from the outside, things might be that kind to him. He still has that all out closing speed though, so he should be able to overcome trouble and contend.
8. Gm's Dale (Deerfield Site* - Steffie's Charm) is a solid grade A competitor that can break with the best of them and hold on in the money at the finish line. He is a little short late, but has won his share on the lead as well. A big break is needed by him in this race.
Puppy Power unite in the 11th race on the card. Really Xtreme has really impressed everyone since arriving at the Orange Park Kennel Club and with this one box, he is going to take home his first ever stakes win. She has enough to stalk behind the leaders early on, and in the stretch he will drive by and dash all of their hopes before the finish line. Leading the way early on should be Kiowa Shag Along. Shag Along is all early speed all the time and despite any post, she comes to break in each and every effort. No way she holds on against this talented trio of closers, but a girl can dream if she wants to. Also trying to run down the early speeder will be a pair of 660 yard greyhounds. Eds Budby and Gs Ashlynn both have good closing skills and either one could steal away the win late, but both will have to get out close if they want to get it done. Advantage here to Budby. That is just what he did in his last race. He broke on top and would not be denied. Ok, so no lead here, but around the lead, sure. He will factor and might even get back to back wins. Ashlynn needs to overcome that last effort where she sat in the box, and get back to the form that saw her win 3 races in a row from behind. Clearly from the 5 box might be her biggest problem in this effort, but if she can get outside and get room to run, you never know. (1-7-6-5)
Capping off the stakes events in the second half of the Forced out Twin-Trifecta in race 12.
1. Kiowa Vanessa (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) would like a do over on the post draw in this race. She is as wide as they come and gets to start from the railest of post positions. Talk about wrong place at the wrong time. This is going to be a rough trip.
2. Yo My Delbert (My Zapper - My Cattie Breeze) is not going to set the world of fire with win streaks, but he has been in contention in 4 races in a row and made the trifecta in round 1. A solid B greyhound in against the A's. Holding his own, the post is a bonus.
3. Kiowa Trent Tam (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) is the best 660 greyhound now, but in round 1 she proved that she was not a one trick wonder. She closed well throughout and finished next best. Near the rail again tonight, expect another strong closing effort.
4. Klarissa (Fuzzys Cannon - Well Chosen) took advantage of a big benefit in round 1 and made the most of it with a close second place finish. Here the 4 might even be more to her liking. She won from here 4 starts back. Breaking will not be a option tonight.
5. La's Silver (Be Discrete - La's Felisha) has forgotten how to break as of late and in turn her races have been trouble ridden. Tonight she gets room with the empty post and no speed to her inside. Everything is set up for her, now she just need to execute the plan.
6. Kelsos Spiffy (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) has been a force since breaking in at Orange Park. A breaker and closer, Spiffy is a double threat in any race. Just missing in round one, this start might be redemption time.
7. Tipsy Marcus W (Tipsy Character - Jetstar Streaker) is a former 660 greyhound that fills the closers role here over 550 yards. He can come on with the best of them late and from the outside he is even more dangerous. If he gets room late, he will come flying to challenge.
8. Hanks Dinah (Lonesome Cry - Dolly Madison) was running hot before the first round, but a missed break and some trouble ended all of that. Back outside where she can get a clean lane to rush to the turn in, expect her to get back on course in this effort.
This race of all of them on the card could go any way depending on who decides they want to run. Kelso Spiffy get the edge here because even if she doesn't make the early lead in this race, she can rebound from off the pace and still take home the win at the finish line. This double threat is posted up and ready to walk away with the win this effort and I think it is going to be tough to keep her from taking it. She will have to work though as I feel that La's Silver is going to find her break, hit the lid, and lead for the majority of this effort. Silver has been short on the late lead in the past and could prove so once again in this effort. Even if Spiffy can't get there before the finish line, Kiowa Trent Tam might. Even though she looks better over 660 yards, she can be a threat at 550 too. She is just a closer over the short distances and with another good inside post position, she should be late factor once again tonight. Let's not forget Hanks Dinah either. This greyhound gets room outside here, and if she breaks, she is going to be effective once again in this effort. She has all the tools needed to be successful and needs to make up for her last effort. If all the planets fall into alignment, she might be able to steal away the win in this race. (6-3-5-8)
2010 Stakes winners shine in round 1 James J Patton Silver Cup
To no surprise the cream rises to the top and that is just what happened in this round. The best two efforts, well they came from greyhounds that has already won a stakes final this year at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
On Friday evening no greyhound was more impressive than the 2010 JGR Puppy Stakes winner, Paddy Whacker. Despite the tough inside post position, Paddy, Whacked yet another field in the 15th race and it was the break that made him successful in this effort. He came out running and took command at the start and easily positioned himself to the outside part of the racetrack. From the lead he just coasted all the way around the racetrack, and even pulled away from the best 660 yard greyhound in the stretch to stop the clock at a round best of 30.33 seconds. Kiowa Trent Tam finished next best, followed by Kiowa Kay Share, and Kiowa Top Design.
The other big effort came from the 2010 Orange Park Derby winner Eds Budby. Better known for the longer distances, Budby came to run in the 7th race and like his counterpart the break was the key to his success. He easily could pick up greyhounds over the shorter distance, but when he broke and made the front end, everyone knew the race was already over. The post could have played a role too as Budby loves the rail and drew the red blanket in this effort. Once in front Budby proved determined as he held off the chaser all the way to the finish line for a speedy 30.49 second romp. Props to Kelsos Spiffy for a game chase throughout in 2nd. Kiowa Vinita finished 3rd and Sunsand Fannymay finished 4th.
The breaking to the lead and holding throughout trend continued thru in all but one of the qualifying rounds, and once these talented greyhounds see the clean air, it's tough to get to them before the wire.
Comedrinkwithme posted up the biggest margin on the evening as he drove to the lead at the 1st turn and left the field in his lurch. He continues to increase his margin all the way to the wire crossing 7.5 lengths better than his nearest rival in 30.62 seconds in the 10th race.
Raiders Bart was 3rd best in time and lengths in the 1st round of the stakes. In the 11th on the card, he too jumped from the starting box and straight into control of his race. He was never really challenged and drew the lure away from the field throughout. Crossing in 30.50, 4 lengths clear of the field, Bart is on his game as he won his 2nd race in a row.
Leading Steps did what he does best in the 9th race on the card, he bombed to the early lead in his race and was in command for the duration. Even though the chasers, Mr. Clark and company, we closing the gap in the stretch, he stole way enough early to coast to the finish line for the easy win.
Upset was the name of the day in the 14th race as Gm's Chicago was not going to be denied from the winners circle. He did get some major help in this effort though. At the first turn he was ahead of some trouble and seized the opportunity to win a round. He maintained his margin from box to wire and crossed the finish line a 13-1 victor.
Completing the evenings card was the only closing victory in the 1st round and it came in the 12th race on the card. Howdoyoulikethat, normally an early speed chasing greyhound, outlasted the big early speeder, Kiowa Shag Along, in the deep stretch to take home the win. Ok so closing might be a bit of a stretch as he was just off in 2nd for the majority of this effort, but a win from behind is a win from behind and you have to love the effort. Determined late winner, that is all you need it know.
The second round of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup continues on Monday Evening August 23rd at the Orange Park Kennel Club . All 7 races and 56 greyhounds will be back to compete for a spot in the quarter finals. The field will be cut in half for the next round, so cheer for your favorites and we'll have to see who moves on after another great round of stakes action tonight.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
First Round 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup
The first round of the 2010 James J Patton Silver Cup is drawn, posted, and ready to go for Friday Evening August 20th at the Orange Park Kennel Club.
Seven full races of greyhounds will take to the racetrack and vie for those all so important points for a chance to move on in the competition and possibly the finals.
Regardless of the outcome of these races, all 7 fields will return on Monday the 23rd for Round 2.
We have a great mix of experience and new comers this year and it should just add to the excitement of each and every race.
So let's jump right into the first of 7 on the card and it comes in the 7th on the card.
1. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) Orange Park Derby winner is rested and ready to go. Big closer over 550. Loves this post, needs to step it up earlier in the race. Closing threat tonight.
2. Sunsand Fannymay (Lonesome Cry - Sunsands Sienna) needs to find her break in the worst way. Has been struggling as of late when sitting in the box. Post could help, has to come out running.
3. Hanks Dinah(Lonesome Cry - Dolly Madison) is really on top of her game right now and is breaking and running quick. Posted up on the inside, she is right at home and should factor.
4. Kiowa Top Duke (Flying Penske - Kiowa Berma Top) likes to close in his races, but needs to be around early in order to have a chance. Nearer the rail in this effort, he needs to want it here.
5. Jamboree Frankie (My John Q - Slingshot Misty) can't get around and stay out of trouble as of late and the 5 box won't help in this effort. He needs a clean trip and a route to the rail in order to contend.
6. Big Drama (Get Over - Rooftop Flojo) back at 550 yards for the stakes and over this route, he is a big closer. Expect her to dive to the rail early and come flying up in the deep stretch.
7. Kelsos Spiffy (Kelsos Fusileer - Kelsos Gabriella) has good closing speed and can break on occasion too. Once in front she it tough to take down. The outside post helps her to the lead and maybe a win.
8. Kiowa Vinita (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) likes it outside and could throw a big monkey wrench into the plans of the others tonight. All she has to do is be close early and it might be upset time.
Speed might be the key to the lead in this race, but not to the win. Strong closers are all over the place and I don't think that anyone can hold off them all before the finish line. Hanks Dinah should answer the call for the front end in this effort, that is if she keeps breaking like she has been in her last couple of races. Holding on to all the way to the finish line will be the big time task. Kelsos Spiffy might get the nod as barely best at the finish line. Difference maker for her is that she can break and be close early and still come on strong late to steal away the win. The other chasers have to come from off the pace to factor. Also working in her favor is the extra room early on. Big Drama is going straight to the rail when the box opens up and room a plenty on the outside for her. She needs to step up in order to get this done, otherwise the posted up Eds Budby might be charging by in the deep stretch to steal away the win. Over 550 this guy is nothing by a closing machine, and sometimes that comes too late in his races. If he wants to have a shot at a win, he has to get out of the box much better in this effort. Let's not forget the other closer too, Big Drama. Getting to the rail cleanly will really be the task in this race. If she can get there, her late speed will be in full motion at the end of the race. She too has broke on occasion at 550, but that normally comes from the rail posts. If she wants it enough, she could have an outside shot at the upset. (7-3-1-6)
The second stakes round on the hit parade comes to us in the 9th race on the card.
1. Gabe Candice (Flying Penske - Home Town Charm) another converted 660 greyhound going 550 yards for the stakes. Late speed is all you will get from her tonight, but will it be too late to contend?
2. Wp's Commodore (Fuzzys Cannon - M's Countess Amy) has come back off the rest and has looked sharp even though he has not won a race. If he can shake loose early on, he might do it here.
3. Kiowa Vanessa (Flying Hydrogen - Greg Kiowa Girl) needs to get to the outside part of the racetrack. She can, and has in the past, as long as she is close early on, she will be a threat at the finish.
4. Tomco Caliber (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Kb's Apostle) has look pretty good since arriving, but will need a clean trip in order to compete against this tough field. The 4 box is not quite the rail, we'll see.
5. Yo My Delbert (My Zapper - My Cattie Breeze) is an even runner and needs to get back to the breaking form he was in about a month ago. Forget the lines, he can hang, but must start sharply.
6. Leading Steps (Lonesome Cry - Tk Ashira) is the best breaker in the bunch, but has to prove it again here. Edged out in the NOS race, he can hang and win too, we will have to see who shows up.
7. Mr. Clark (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) loves to break from this post and needs to break in this race. He is as fast as he wants to be and if he is close, he can win this race. It's his decision to make.
8. Bbr Lovely Won (Flying Earnhardt - Bbf Kissthestars) might be a bit over his head in this effort, but the post is going to help him out. He is best near the early lead and breaking fast might be the equalizer.
There is enough speed here to be dangerous on the front end and that is where Leading Steps should be in this race. This greyhound has really missed his break in the last couple of races and if he gets back to hitting the lid in this one, no one may be able to corral him before the finish line. He is short in the stretch though and that might be a deal breaker in this effort. Chasing him should be Mr. Clark and Wp's Commodore. Both greyhounds are posted up in this effort and either one, on a good day, could run off alone and steal away the victory. Slight edge here to Mr. Clark as he is the better closer of the pair and is closer to the early leader in this race. All he has to do is stalk early and if he is close throughout, he should be too much for the leader at the finish line. Wp's Commodore has run well since returning to live action, but has looked a bit shorter than he did in the past over his last couple of efforts. He is by all means just getting back into the groove of things, and the more he races, the stronger he is going to get. He too likes where he is starting from and if he comes out running, it could be quite a battle royal not only for the lead in this race, but the win as well. Kiowa Vanessa can't be overlooked either tonight. She is a solid competitor when she is near the leaders in the early stages from a good post, that is just where I expect her to be in this effort. She too has some left in the tank in the stretch and could throw her own hat into the ring as they head down the stretch and approach the finish line. If he all goes her way, we might be seeing an upset. (7-6-2-3)
Race 10 is not only the first half of the Mandatory Force out Twin-Tri , it's the third stakes round.
1. Playboy Joe (Joe Hearns - Too Late) really needs to find his break again. That is what got him to grade A and that is what will get him to compete again. Otherwise he is in trouble early. The rail post helps.
2. Kane's Commanche (Dodgem By Design - Summer Showers) has had some rough trips as of late and would do well with a bit of a better break in this one. The inside post is good, showing up is up to him.
3. Comedrinkwithme (Dauntless - Instant Vintage) is a big strong closer from DQ that lives up to the kennels heritage. He likes the rail and is close enough in the 3 box. He could be a big threat here.
4. Daycare Ron (Lonesome Cry - Ml Teardrops) has some closing speed as his disposable, but needs to be close in a race to use it. The 4 box is not a bad spot for him, but he will need to give it all against these.
5. Really Xtreme (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) might be a puppy, but has stakes winning skills. This Afleet Alex pup is the real deal. The only hindrance here is the post. 7 wins in 9 starts, says it all.
6. Bf Dora (Dodgem By Design - Sol Lasting) might just be the best early speed greyhound in the bunch. When she wants to break she will be in the lead, but she pays for it late. Holding it won't happen here.
7. Gs Ashlynn (Rapido Rambo - Gm's Cutie) has been on a mission since coming back. 3 wins in a row and 4 in 6 races, ouch! Posted up on the wide side where she wants to be, she might just get it done again.
8. Cayenne Ferrari (Dodgem By Design - Cayenne Jet) is a very strong closer when he wants to be. He has shift gears with the best of them late, but prefers the inside post positions. Here in the 8, who knows?
With really only one true big time early speed greyhound in this race, Bf Dora should answer the call and make off with the early lead. Holding it is another conversation of its own. She is short late in the race and there are three big time closers that will be coming at her later in this effort. Most notably Really Xtreme. What a greyhound this puppy has turned into. He is a monster. He can win with or without the early lead and can close like he could run well over any longer distance. He went undefeated to grade A and has won 7 of his 9 official starts. The only drawback here is the post. He is going to have to work to get it done, but he has a shot to win his third straight race tonight. Gs Ashlynn is trying to do Xtreme one better as she is vying for her 4th win in a row. She also gets a better post, she loves it outside, and will be making up ground with every stride late in this effort. She usually breaks better from out here, and if this duo locks up early on, we could be in for quite a ride in this effort. Let's not forget Comedrinkwithme. He too can break, and or, come on late with the best of them at the racetrack. He has won 3 of his last 5 starts and has been in the quiniela 5 times. He too is posted where he wants to be and could be the one ahead of the rest at the finish line. This trio could make for an easy trifecta if all goes to plan in this race. (5-7-3-6)
Up next is the 4th stakes round on the card happening in the 11th race.
1. Whistle Bit (Get Over - Lap Baby ) has been running hot, is posted up in her best box, but might have some trouble with the grade A's. Frankly, she is up two grades and it might be too much for her to handle.
2. Miss Romy (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable) is a former stakes finalist that loves to race from the rail. Like most DQ dogs, from the lead or from behind, she is on tough cookie. Watch for her late tonight.
3. Wp's Clinton (Fuzzys Cannon - M's Countess Amy) has been red hot since returning to action. With 2 wins and 4 trifectas in 4 races, he is red hot and from a favorable post tonight, he will be tough.
4. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) Back to 550 for the stakes and hopefully that can spark something in her again. She has been flat as of late and could use a boost. Waiting to see what happens.
5. Citation Cam (Flying Penske - Ctw Miss Kelly) the multi-stakes veteran that has found some fresh legs as of late. She has been breaking again and that has been the difference maker. Here she needs to fire.
6. Gm's Cashman (Dodgem By Design - Gs Gertie) was the NOS winner at the wire. Since he has been in a mini funk and is looking to break out of it. He needs to be closer early if he wants a shot to win.
7. Raiders Bart (Dodgem By Design - Raiders Azeri) is the hottest greyhound in this field. Winning 3 of 5 and finishing in the trifecta in 6 straight, he is a force up front. If he makes the lead, it could all be over.
8. Smokin Snoopy (Go Joe Jester - Smokin Dizzy) has got everything over on the Red Baron as of late. He has been really on top of it and has not missed the money in 6 straight. Upset minded from a good post tonight.
Raiders Bart will probably be the favorite in this race and he might just wire the field on the lead once again, but I think he has to watch out for Wp's Clinton in this effort. Clinton can outbreak everything to his inside and should clear way to close to the leader. Bart has not been run down as of late, but has seen his late lead shrink on several occasions. If Clinton can get around the leader early on, he has a good shot to take home the win, but if Bart clears easily at the turn, this race is probably his too loose. Also in contention will be Gm's Cashman. I don't care about the lines, this is a stake race and in stakes races, this greyhound shows up big time. He has won 4 of 10 starts and has finished in the trifecta 7 times, so you have to keep him on your radar in this effort. Another possible upsetter lurks in the 2 box tonight. Miss Romy finished 3rd in the finals of the 2009 Jacksonville Juvenile and knows how to get things done. What makes her dangerous is that she is not out of the race if she doesn't break. She can close too and can make up more ground in the stretch than probably anyone else in this field. If she does get loose early on, she might just surprise them all in this effort. (3-7-6-2)
Race 12 is the second half of the Forced Out Twin-Tri and the 5th stakes event on the card.
1. Kiowa Shag Along (Flying Stanley - Kiowa Shag Sue) is an early speed machine and he just loves racing from the rail. A whole different greyhound in RED, he still might be able to wire this field on the lead.
2. Gm's Dale (Deerfield Site* - Steffie's Charm) has shown some good early speed as of late and also likes to race from the rail. Everything is going for him tonight, let's see if he can take advantage.
3. La's Silver (Be Discrete - La's Felisha) can hit the lid too and when she makes the lead, she wins races. 3 victories in her last 5 starts, including back to back romps. If she hits it, she will contend.
4. Lrc Last Dance (Late Late Show - Hot Cargo) is a good closer that is really a couple of grades up in this race. She did do well in her last start though. Is she up to this top level task, that is the question!
5. Uss Fine Touch (Uss Raceway - Uss Glimmer) is yet another box beater that will rushing and trying to stick her nose in front in this effort. She might just do it too, but she is short late and that will be costly in this one.
6. Hanks Diana (Lonesome Cry - Dolly Madison) is a steady chaser that normally just follows the pace throughout, but against these short greyhounds, she might have a chance to sneak by in the stretch.
7. Howdoyoulikethat (Lonesome Cry - Here's The Thing) has been quit competitive since joining us here at OP. Enough early speed and enough staying power to be dangerous, and that is what he will be again here.
8. Kiowa Marcus (Lonesome Cry - Mercedes) is a bit of a closer that can make up some ground late on occasion. If the mood suits him, you get a big effort, if he is out of it early on, well. Let's see what we get tonight.
This race is going to be something to watch to the first turn. There are several greyhounds here that will be coming out on a mission at the start of this race. Almost the whole field has the potential to take the early lead in this effort. So who comes out on top at the turn? That is the million dollar question in this effort. I like Kiowa Shag Along. The one box is the big advantage he has over the rest of the field. He totally loves it in here and will make the most of the post in this race. Holding on against short greyhounds might not be all that tough for him, but he still will need a bit of a lead to get it done. It's box to wire time for the win. Pressing him early will be Uss Fine Touch and if can't make the lead, then Tough will, but he is not as short as she is late in the race. She is really coming up short as of late, but if she returns to the form that saw her make a stakes final, she might just be the box to wire winner. La's Silver is also a former stakes finalist and is less short than either of the other two greyhounds late. She can take it coast to coast as well, but beating this speedy duo to the turn is a big task for her to take on. Being a threat throughout though will not be too much to ask, expect it from her in this effort. Despite no wins showing, you have to like Howdoyoulikethat as well in this effort. This greyhound has run with, and beat, some of the best at the racetrack over the last couple of months. He has enough early speed to be around and is not short at the end of the race. Here he even might be able to run down the big time early speeders in the stretch. All he has to do is get close early on, and he will be within striking distance at the wire. (1-3-7-5)
The next to the last race on the card is the 6th stake event, welcome to race 14.
1. Magic Handball (Handball Victory - Magic Scooter) might be a puppy but has some good early speed in her corner and looks like she might be able to hang if she breaks. The one box is a plus for anyone.
2. Ww Kay Sea (Greys Flamebeau - Ww Kiowa Silver) is back over 550 for this stakes round and here she will be a closing machine late in this race. She likes it inside and the post is a bonus. Watch out if she breaks.
3. Ahk Lady Deanna (Coldwater Keelin - C Ya Martinique) must break in this race in order to break out of the slump that she has found herself in as of late. She is better than her lines show and the 3 box could help her out.
4. Really Gonnarock (Afleet Alex - Xtreme Hustler) finally gets away from her littermate and that might just give her a chance to win in grade A. This closing pup has been in the tri in 16 of 18 starts. Expect it again.
5. Tipsy Marcus W (Tipsy Character - Jetstar Streaker) might be better suited for 660 yards, but will do his best over the shorter course for the stakes. Here he is a closer and should be flying up at the wire.
6. Gm's Chicago (Dodgem By Design - Gs Gertie) is heading into the stakes off a pretty impressive win in his last effort. Back in A now and ready to go, let's see if he can make it back to back jacks.
7. Miss Kate (Fuzzys Cannon - Miss Kissable ) is the only solid grade A greyhound in this race and that might give her a class edge over this field. She will need to get to the rail to challenge, but one this is sure, she will be around throughout.
8. Klarissa (Fuzzys Cannon - Well Chosen) has seen better times and can run better than some of her lines show. She is a good closer and can break on occasion. She needs one thing here to be successful, she needs to be close early on.
Even though she might not be in the lead early on against this field, Really Gonnarock is overdue for a win. It is not her fault she has been running against her brother, over, and over, and over again. Here she is finally free and all she needs to do is run her race and she should be able to come out on top. Watch for her to get close early and make up ground throughout to take late control and secure a first round victory. Miss Kate uses that class edge here to contend. Like Gonnarock, she has enough early to stalk around the lead as they head thru the first turn. She too has some close to her and with a clean trip from the outside, she will be coming on strong in the stretch to make the leaders work for it at the wire. Magic Handball gets a look her simply because she is the ONLY real early speed greyhound in this field. She gets the one box too, which is nice, but it won't be enough to carry her to victory. She is still short in the stretch and against a pair of good closers, she should have a problem getting home a winner. Ww Kay Sea also might have something to say about it. She is back over 550 and will be making up ground with every step she takes around the racetrack. The recent shipper and has ok so far, but is still getting used to the new surface. Once she figures it out, she will be a bigger threat, tonight could be when the lightbulb goes on. (4-7-1-2)
Capping off the evening in the final race on the card, the 7th stakes event comes in race 15.
1. Kiowa Trent Tam (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) is currently the best over 660. How will that translate to 550, just fine. The one box is a huge bonus as she loves the rail. She can & will compete tonight.
2. Kiowa Top Design (Dodgem By Design - Flying Acme) has shown some closing speed in the past, but she is not that much of a fan favorite. She can upset on occasion, 3 starts ago, but against this field, that is a big task.
3. Paddy Whacker (Heart Rumble* - Spicy Candy) was the last stakes winner and has the best raw speed of anyone in this field. The post is his biggest hurdle here, if he clears it could be all over.
4. Ru Tuff Enuf (Let's Winendine - Faith Keeper) is back in the nick of time and will only get stronger the more he goes around the racetrack. He used to be a stud runner, soon enough we will see if he still has IT!
5. Switzler Takeoff (Clappin Thunder - Switzler Firefly) is trying her best to get back into the top level at the racetrack and has the skills to do it. Here up against the best the track has to offer & starting from the 5 box, she might just be overwhelmed.
6. Skiddy Banjo (Dodgem By Design - Kansas Factor) has righted the ship as of late simply by breaking better. The closer he is early, the closer he is at the finish line. A good closer, look for him late tonight.
7. Eds Go Touch (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) yet another greyhound moving back to 550 for the stakes. He has had some success here in the past, and surprise, he will be a closer. If he can get to the rail, he will be moving up late.
8. Kiowa Kay Share (Solitary Runner - Sol Happy) has only missed the money once at OP. A strong closer that might be short on experience, but is long on talent. From this outside post, she could be the one to beat.
It's tough to pick against the only multi-round stakes winner over 550 in the field, but I have to do it and the only reason is the post position. Paddy Whacker is going to go wide, he will have to wait to get there as the 4 outbreaks him and by that time Kiowa Kay Share will already be on her way to stalking the leaders and taking command of this effort. Just look a couple of races ago, the same thing happened and in that race Paddy had the same 3 box that he has in this effort. The POST is the main reason. If he was in the 8 box, well that is a different story. So let's talk about who is going to break. Ru Tuff Enuf is going to break. Look at his last race, he hit the lid and came out running. Ok, so it was the 1 box, but he has room here as well in the 4 at the break and should be in the lead. He is still working back into form and was short last time out, does that happen again? Yep! So Kiowa Kay Share is the one to beat for me in this effort. She can just follow closely around the corner and turn on those jets late in the race to steal away the win from the leaders in the stretch. Example, 5 races back from this same post, win by 4 lengths in 30.58 seconds. Look for that again here. Against this tough trio, the other posted up greyhound can't be forgotten about. Kiowa Trent Tam must get a look in this race, especially from the 1 box. Remember she has won a round before over this distance from a similar post, the third round of the 2010 Jacksonville Sprint Classic, and might be able to surprise again. Running better than she ever has, she is at the top of her game and that might just translate well to this distance too. (8-3-4-1)
OP Celebrates 2009 All-Americans
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| Penny Candy and Count Ivan Once again in 2009 the Orange Park Kennel Club was blessed with some very special greyhound racing around our racetrack and two of them were named to the AGTOA All-American Teams. Our best greyhound in 2009 over 660 or 770 yards, Penny Candy, was back in the elite eight for the second year in a row, and our best sprinter, Count Ivan, finished 10th in voting and made the second team. So it was a good excuse to throw a party. No really. For the third year in a row we held an All-American evening to celebrate our fantastic accomplishments of these tremendous greyhounds. And that was not all, we gave away over one-thousand T-Shirts and featured food, drink, and other specials throughout the racetrack. We had a great turn out and it was so nice to see the public come out and take pride in the greyhounds that are racing at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Penny Candy really needs no introduction, but I'm going to give you a brief one anyways. She was an All-American in 2008 after just missing in two stakes finals and took the title of national win leader by winning forty-two races at Orange Park. In 2009 she upped the ante as she won 7 of her 8 stakes rounds and including the finals of the two stakes races that eluded her in 2008. In the Orange Park Derby, Penny won three of the four rounds and in the final she jetted by her kennelmate in the stretch to get up for the win. The James J Patton Marathon Stakes was even more impressive. She won all the rounds and in the final, she was untouchable. No one was even close. She drove from the box to the early lead and left the field in her lurch. She won by seven full lengths and but a big explanation mark on her stakes efforts. Overall Penny just missed the magic number of eighty wins for her career, she posted up seventy-six, but that number will not pigeonhole her career. Penny was so much more that just her wins. She was a champion who left everything she had on the racetrack in each and every start. In eighteen career stakes starts, she never finished out of the money and won thirteen times. As Penny moves on to her new career as mom, she will be joyfully remembered by everyone her at the Orange Park Kennel Club for all of her efforts on the racetrack. Congratulation head out to DQ and Sharon Williams, Trainer David Helton, and everyone else connected with this tremendous greyhound. She was one of a kind and one that you once get to witness every now and then. That is the reason that she will go down as one of the best, if not the best ever, over the added distances at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Count Ivan should be a name that almost everyone that follows our circuit knows already, but if you don't, that's ok, I'll fill you in. No greyhound in the country started off 2009 hotter than Count Ivan. Hot off his stakes win in the Jacksonville Juvenile in December of 2008, Ivan was ready to make a splash on the national scene and that is just what he did. Ivan won sixteen of his first nineteen races on the year, including a run of eleven wins in a row, three stakes rounds wins, and the finals of the 2009 Jacksonville Sprint Classic in a near record time of 30.19 seconds. Ivan was not one trick pony, and continued to win races throughout the rest of the year and posted up three wins in a row to cruise into his second stakes final of the year in the 2009 edition of the Sunshine State Silver Cup. Bad luck followed him in that final round race though as he fell in the 1st turn and his dreams of back to back titles were dashed. Ivan picked up right where he left off after that race and continued to run strong for the remainder of the 2009 campaign. Ivan finished off the year as the win leader for the racetrack as he recorded thirty-three wins in his fifty-seven starts. With these efforts he also reached another career milestone as he pushed his overall win totals over the fifty win mark. Whether Ivan will come back and race is still under consideration, but if he is moving on to his new career, Ivan will be remembered as possibly the best greyhound at the racetrack during his time at the Orange Park Kennel Club. He was very versatile and could win from the front or from just off the pace. If he decided to hit the lid, he has track record type speed, and could leave fields at time by ten or more lengths. Ivan was a man amongst boys in certain times, and if came to run, the race was for place. Congratulation to the B & J Kennel, Bill and Cathie Lambert, Owner Henry Howe, Trainer Tom Artzer, Chris Grieb, and everyone else connected with this great greyhound. Penny Candy and Count Ivan were a big part of World Class Greyhound Racing at the Orange Park Kennel Club and both will be missed by patron, fan, employee, and kennel personal alike. Here's to success in the future and thanks for giving us the privilege of watching you run. |
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