Croweing Loud in the Finals of the Orange Park Derby

Another Orange Park Derby is in the books but the 2010 edition will be something to be remembered for quite a while for many here at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

Eds Budby put on an impressive display in the finals for the win, but that is not what is going to be remembered so much. The main focus would be which kennel Budby resides in and who owns him.

Budby is from the Crowe Kennel and is owned by trainer Mike Crowe. No one in the compound works harder than Mike and sometimes it feels really good to see the good guy finish first.

Mike has had several stakes finalists over the last 15 years that I have worked here, but he has never won any of those races. Here in the finals of the Orange Park Derby the tide turned in the right direction and he finally won a stakes race.

At the break tonight Rays Scout flew to the early lead and was clean sailing in the open air up front as there was trouble behind him in the early turn. Sneaking thru it was Eds Budby, Uss Fine Touch and Holly Noelle. Up the front stretch the lead pack continued to chase the leader. Three lengths clear of the competition, Rays Scout, felt good, but his problem was the Eds Budby was already in second and he was not slowing up at all. By the start of the backside the lead had shrunk to almost nothing and by the end of the toteboard Budby was in the lead. Frankly from that point on, this race just got ugly. Budby left the rest in his wake as he drew away for fun and demolished this stakes caliber field by 9 lengths at the finish line as he stopped the clock at a speedy 37.38 second clocking. Second was the only returning finalist Xtra Style. The only real closer in the field, came from WAY back to get up for place in the photo over early leader Rays Scout. Uss Fine Tough finished in the money in his second stakes final in a row as he completed the superfecta. Rounding out the field was Bad For Ya in 5th, Holly Noelle in 6th, Gs Ashlynn in 7th, and race favorite La's Lucy in 8th.

Congratulation head out to Eds Budby, Kennel Owner and Greyhound Owner Mike Crowe, Breeder Tracy Chase, and the first owner of this greyhound Ed Litogot, Jr. He raced several greyhound on our circuit and it is sad that he is no longer with us, and he didn't get to see his named greyhound win a stakes title.

Continued success for this fantastic distance greyhound from everyone here on the Jacksonville Racing Circuit.

Race Breakdown for 2010 Orange Park Derby

Saturday - 2/6/2010


It's time for the best of the best over 660 yards to compete for the title of champion in the 2010 Orange Park Derby. The finals will run on Saturday Evening February 6, 2010 in the 11th race on the card.

Don't forget on Saturday Evening we will also be running our Sweet Winning Promotion where we give away sweet treats along with sweet cash in the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th races.

Race Breakdown:

1. Uss Fine Touch (Uss Raceway - Uss Glimmer) has shown loads of early speed over 660 yards and draw a very advantageous post position in this final round race. He is coming off a rough start and needs to get back breaking quick if he is going to contend in this effort.

2. Bad For Ya (Trent Lee - Leafs Flying) has been nothing but exceptional over 660 yards so far. Winning 6 of 10, and finishing in the money in 9 of those starts, he will be a force to be reckoned with in this effort, that is if he can find his break and get out of the starting box.

3. Gs Ashlynn (Rapido Rambo - Gm's Cutie) is starting to figure this whole 660 yard thing out. The more races she runs, the better she has done. Early speed is her best weapon and a big break would go a long way to help her out in this race, especially from a tough inside post position.

4. La's Lucy (Get Over - Ruby Is The Best) is another Get Over greyhound in a stakes final. GO FIGURE! Lucy was the pre-race favorite and did nothing to lose that crown in the qualifying rounds. She won 3 of 4 and posted up the best time in the process. She will most likely be the betting favorite tonight.

5. Xtra Style (Kl's Doug - Exceptional Bid) is the only real big time closer in this race and if there is trouble on or near the early lead, she might have a shot at the upset in this one. Another added bonus for her is the post position. She loves the 5 BOX! With 6 wins in 7 starts from here, she might just surprise them all in this race.

6. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) took his game to a whole new level in the stakes rounds. He was the leader in points by winning 3 of 4 and finishing in the quiniela throughout. He is no one trick pony as he can win with or without the early lead. He will factor, and with no speed around, he has a good chance to steal the title.

7. Holly Noelle (Cricket Express - Solitary Camile) is up with the big boys and girls here and will need to step up her game if she wants to put on the big upset. B & J has done it in the past, ie see Se's Top Speed, but she will need to come out running again in this effort if she has any though of a win tonight.

8. Rays Scout (My Judge - Ivyona Star) is from a talented litter that almost all competed in the qualifying rounds. He was the last one standing and hopes his early speed is enough to get him home a winner. Posted up well away from the crowd, he might have an unabated shot at the lead tonight. Holding on to it might just be the real task in this effort.

Everyone tonight is going to show up and come out running. I believe that the 2 greyhound Bad For Ya is going to break extremely close and will take over the lead in the early stages of this race. WHY? Because, the 3 Gs Ashlynn is going to break and go wide from the starting box and he is going to have all kinds of room to run thru the early turn. If La's Lucy clears ahead of the 3 from the 4 box and gets a clean run, then she might just be the one to beat in this race. I think it is going to be hard for her to come out unscathed, especially since Ashlynn has been breaking much better as of late. Another party to challenge for the front and maybe even get there is Rays Scout and Uss Fine Touch. Both have the goods to get it done, but Scout has the better chance as he is far outside and away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. Drawback for both is that they are short, short, short once they are passed in a race. Don't count out Eds Budby either. This greyhound is sitting between two that might come out of the box really slowly. He might just gets some room early too and as the second best closer in the field, he might have a shot at the leaders for the long haul.

At the break look for Rays Scout, La's Lucy, and Bad for Ya to come out running. Scout should be in the front with Bad For Ya on his heels. Lucy will be just off and Eds Budby will be chasing on the inside. Scout will continue on the lead to the far turn and that is where Bad for Ya takes over. Lucy and Budby will continue to drive and at the far turn it is a three greyhound race for the finish line. Bad For Ya digs in deep late and survives at the finish line just ahead of Lucy and Budby at the wire. Scout fades back a bit late, but still holds on in the superfecta.

Bios for the 2010 Orange Park Derby

Click the link to see the bios for the 2010 Orange Park Derby. This race runs on Saturday Evening in the 11th and also on Saturday will be our Sweet Winnings Promotion.

BIOS FOR THE ORANGE PARK DERBY

Semi-Finals of the 2010 Orange Park Derby

Monday - 2/1/2010


And then there was TWO! Yes, just 2 races full of fantastic greyhound jockeying for points in the semi-finals of the 2010 Orange Park Derby.

These 16 greyhounds will lock up in head to head competition and as of right now, it is almost anyone's game. We have no undefeated greyhounds remaining and the new point leader is Eds Budby.

There is a slew of early speed greyhounds and a mess of closers over 660 yard chasing them. This round really comes down to pure desire. Who wants it more! Who wants to make the finals? We will find out soon enough.

The first of the two events on the card takes place in the 7th race on the card.

1. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) is all rail all the time and the one box will go a long way in helping his effort in this race. He has not missed the trifecta in the rounds, maybe more of the same.

2. Uss Fine Touch (Uss Raceway - Uss Glimmer) has shown good early speed over 660 yards and will need to come out running once again in this effort if she wants to contend at the finish line.

3. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) has been strutting his stuff in the rounds and is currently the man on top in points. All he needs to put up here is a solid effort & he will make the finals.

4. Eds Go For It (Flying Penske - Eds Cherokeegirl) has not won a round yet, but she has been a force in each and every effort. She has not missed the money in 3 straight, tonight might be her night.

5. Racheal Lee (Get Over - Nothing But Fine) is the only stakes winner left in the derby. She knows how to win and if she wants to run, she could easily dominate. A big race is needed to reach the finals.

6. Rays Scout (My Judge - Ivyona Star) has been bombing from the starting box over 660 and could be the one to catch once again in this effort. If he gets away enough early, it could be back to back wins.

7. On The Fly (Dodgem By Design - Ww Ellen's Time) needs to rebound after a tough race last time out. She can run from the lead or from behind, but if she wants the finals, she needs to break tonight.

8. Gs Ashlynn (Rapido Rambo - Gm's Cutie) has started to figure this 660 thing out at the right time. Still she needs more points to move on. The 8 box is a big bonus for her tonight. She might upset again.

At the break this race is really going to be crowded. Rays Scout, Uss Fine Touch, Eds Budby and maybe even Gs Ashlynn are going to look to control this race from the get go. I think Scout is the one to make the lead, but the question is can he hold on all the way to the finish line for the win? I think not! Budby will be too close too soon for Scout to get it done. Budby should continue on his great run in this effort and put up another win tonight. Everyone else better pay attention to the veteran too. Racheal Lee is starting to get it revved up in the stakes and if she wants to run, OUCH! She is the class and will be flying up late to take down almost everyone for a spot in the quiniela in this effort. Scout should hold on for third as Uss Fine Touch presses throughout and gets outfinished late and has to settle for the last spot in the superfecta. (3-5-6-2)



The second stake event on this evening is in the 11th race on the card.

1. Kiowa Uzzia (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Quik Superhero) has made up ground throughout in all of the rounds and the one box is a great starting post for him in this effort. He might need a win to make the finals.

2. Kiowa True Love (Flying Penske - Kiowa Tom Long) draws back near the rail after missing it terribly in her last race. The post alone is enough for everyone to take notice of her in this race. Watch out!

3. Gabe Candice (Flying Penske - Home Town Charm) can close a ton when she wants too, but is tonight one of those nights? That is the real question! The post should be ok, and late she could really challenge.

4. La's Lucy (Get Over - Ruby Is Best) was unbeaten thru 2 rounds and now needs to get back on track after a trouble ridden race last time out. All she needs to do is get out of the box well, and the rest takes care of itself.

5. Bad For Ya (Trent Lee - Leafs Falling) was the other undefeated greyhound in the stakes and needs to come out running in this effort. In the last race he broke last and it cost him his quiniela streak. Tonight, redemption is at hand!

6. Holly Noelle (Cricket Express - Solitary Camile) looked tremendous in round one, but has since been outrushed and outrun in the stakes. If she wants a shot, she needs to break on top in this effort.

7. Rays Taxman (My Judge - Ivyona Star) has enough early speed to make the front in this effort. He just needs to show it. Forget the last race is what he would like to do, with another big win in the stakes here.

8. Xtra Style (Kl's Doug - Exceptional Bid) has been there and done that. This stakes veteran showed her true form in round two and will need a similar one in this race. A big time closer, she must be around early on.

I see this race being a DQ battle from the start to the finish. At the break La's Lucy and Bad For Ya will show up and come out running to challenge Rays Taxman for the early lead. All three of these great greyhounds could be leading the way, but only one of them is going to take home the win. Even if Taxman gets the early nod, he is not going to be able to hold off the firepower toward the end of this effort. Lucy, Bad For Ya, either way you like them, it's a quiniela baby. Tax man should settle in for third or fourth depending on how Kiowa True Love runs from another rail post position. If she come out with the early leaders here she might just finish a bit higher up the totem pole at the wire. (5-4-2-7)

Remember the post position draw in Wednesday Matinee and the finals of this race will run on Saturday Evening February 6th in conjunction with our Sweet Winning Promotion.

All Bets Were Off in Quarter-Finals of Orange Park Derby

After the third round of the 2010 Orange Park Derby, no greyhounds remained unscathed. Both Bad For Ya and La's Lucy encountered early trouble and finished out of the top spot for the first time in the rounds.

No big problem for the big two though from the DQ barn. They safely move on to the semi-finals and with another solid trip, both should have a shot to be starting in the final 8 on Saturday evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

Making the most noise though was the Crowe Kennel entry, Eds Budby. This greyhound pulled out another great race from his bag of tricks and took home the best effort on the card in the 7th race. He broke close and rushed to command this race early on. He held tough on the front end and held off the super talented Racheal Lee in the stretch for the victory. He might have won by the smallest margin in all three races, but his 37.52 second clocking was the best on the evening. With this win, Eds Budby takes over the top spot in points for this event. Props also head out to Kiowa Trent Tovi. This greyhound has shined in the Derby and finished a close third in this effort, behind Racheal Lee.

Now for the upsets. In race 10 Gs Ashlynn broke extremely well from the outside starting box and was in control of this race early on. She cruised throughout on the lead and was never really threatened at all. Granted there was some trouble around behind her, but she did have to get to the lead in the first place. Although the closers did make up some ground late, they were no match as she easily too home the win in this effort. Next best was Gabe Candice. This greyhound closer well throughout and outfinished Bad For Ya in the stretch for place. Bad For Ya was the overwhelming favorite to win here, but sitting in the box is not a good thing to do at the break. He was last early on and frankly ran a huge race just to get back into contention for show.

The other upset came in the 11th race as Rays Scout wired the field on the front end. This greyhound exploded to the early lead and was in complete control this race. He never looked back and just kept on keeping on the lead as he easily won this effort. Chasing him the entire way was Uss Fine Touch. Try as she might she just couldn't gain any ground on the leader in this race, and had to settle for place. Eds Joy Of Pride gained into show and race favorite La's Lucy overcame early trouble and managed to steal away 4th place at the finish line.

Quarter-Finals of the Orange Park Derby runs on Friday Evening!

Friday - 1/29/2010


The field has been chopped and the competition has gotten tougher in the quest for the crown in the 2010 Orange Park Derby.

Everyone left in the stakes has finished in the money in at least one round and a third of the field has won a round during the stakes competition.

Two greyhounds still rank among the untouched, La's Lucy and Bad For Ya, and since they drew in different races, we might be heading into the semi-finals.

Three great races of stakes racing action is ready to head your way on Friday Evening at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

The excitement begins in the 7th race on the card.

1. Rays Taxman (My Judge - Ivyona Star) has not missed the quiniela since jumping over to 660 and even though he has been short, he has won a couple of times. A big break will be need to keep up the pace.

2. Eds Budby (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) has closed well in both of the rounds and gets another favorable post. Coming on strong in the stretch, he should factor again with the leaders at the finish line.

3. Rachel Lee (Get Over - Nothing But Fine) is the best closer in the field, but needs to step it up if she wants to move on further in this event. The only stakes winner, knows how to do it, it's now or never.

4. Eds Go For It (Flying Penske - Eds Cherokeegirl) is a solid chaser that has fared well so far in the stakes. She's not be a threat to win in every start, but she is a solid competitor. Last time in the 4 box, she won.

5. Kiowa Trent Tovi (Trent Lee - Kay V Barbierie) has closed well in both of his efforts over 660 in the stakes and will need it to continue here. The 5 box away from the rail will be his biggest hurdle tonight.

6. Kiowa True Love (Flying Penske - Kiowa Tom Long) won't have her beloved one box to fall back on in this effort. She will need to make her own way around the racetrack. I expect another qualify effort.

7. On The Fly (Dodgem By Design - Ww Ellen's Time) will be closing throughout as she normally does at either distance. She has competed well in each effort and looks to make her 2nd stakes final in a row.

8. Xtra Style (Kl's Doug - Exceptional Bid) is riding high off a huge win in her last effort. Another outside post gets her around the turn and it should allow her to contend in the stretch again in this effort.

At the break Rays Taxman should bomb to the lead once again, especially from the one box. Following him closely will be Eds Budby and Kiowa True Love, if she can get to the rail. Taxman should be able to hold the front end to the far turn or so, but this is where it is going to get interesting. Did he steal enough early to hold everyone at bay late? Or, did the closers break and are too close for him to get home a winner? I'll take the ladder as Eds Budby drives by in the stretch to steal away the win just ahead of Kiowa True Love and Taxman. Everyone better be wary of the best closer in the field, Xtra Style, especially after he woke up and won in impressive fashion his last effort. (2-6-1-8)



The second of three on the card will take place in the tenth race.

1. Cjc's Smoothmove (Pacific Mile* - Gable Ruth) is a strong closer that has made up ground in each and every start over 660 yards in the stakes. If he wants to gain more points, he must be closer early on.

2. Nj's Jax Ina Box (Teamster - Nanot Baby Karen) needs to get back to her break and butter in this effort. BREAKING! She needs a big effort and a bunch of points to move on in the stakes. Post a plus!

3. Kiowa Uzzia (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Quik Superhero) loves racing at this distance and has enough late speed to contend with whomever in the stretch. Never give up, never surrender again in this one.

4. Gabe Candice (Flying Penske - Home Town Charm) closed well in the first round, but ran into trouble in the second. She need as the points she can muster in this effort. Her best shot at the leaders is late.

5. Rays My Girl (My Judge - Ivyona Star) has to get out of the box and the 5 box is really working against her. She has shown closing speed over 660 yards, but has not run like she has in the past. Wake up time.

6. Bad For Ya (Trent Lee - Leafs Flying) he is unbeaten in the stakes and has never run out of the quiniela in any race over 660 yards. He is the one to beat again and this field is going to be hard pressed to do it.

7. Power Exchange (Craigie Whistler - Aunt Redmoon) has run better at 660 than he has shown in the stakes. He has not run bad, but he has not set the world on fire either. A big break would help here.

8. Gs Ashlynn (Rapido Rambo - Gm's Cutie) is tough when she can get out of the starting box and close to the early leader in the race. Without that, she is just another chaser. Tonight she needs to break!

Herman's Hermits time in the 10 race. SECOND VERSE SAME AS THE FIRST! Bad For Ya is going to break out fast in this race and take early command. He will control this one from box to wire to remain undefeated in the stakes as he wins his 7th race in 9 starts. After him is where it gets interesting. Closers abound and just who will steal away the next best title at the finish line. Kiowa Uzzia will make a strong case if he keeps up the good work. Cjc's Smoothmove also has a shot from the 1 box. She has been successful in the past from this box and will work it to her best ability in this round. Power Exchange maybe the forgotten one in this effort. As the only other greyhound with some semblance of early speed in this race, he might be close enough early to hold off the rest for place at the wire. However it plays out, Bad For Ya on top, and then the rest. (6-3-1-7)


The final stakes event on the card comes in the 11th race.

1. Uss Fine Touch (Uss Raceway - Uss Glimmer) has loads of early speed and bolted away to a big lead last time out and survived late for the coasting win. The one box is a bonus, and might help the upset.

2. La's Lucy (Get Over - Ruby Is The Best) has found her break and clearly is the one to beat again in this race. She has the best time in the stakes with her 7.5 length win last time out. One word, UNDEFEATED!

3. Se's We Going Too (P's Skidway - We Goin Sizzler) would much rather be outside in this race. She has closed well in the stakes though and will need to again tonight if she wants to move on in the stakes.

4. Holly Noelle (Cricket Express - Solitary Camile) needs to forget the last trouble ridden race and start off a new streak in this effort. She can do it on the lead or from behind. Time for her to show her skills.

5. Comedrinkwithme (Dauntless - Instant Vintage) might just be figuring it all out now! He ran the best race of his career at 660 in the 2nd round, and looks to expand on that race. The drawback here, 5 box.

6. Eds Joy Of Pride (Domingo Dodge - Cherokee Queen) isn't going to dazzle anyone with a tremendous effort, but she is a solid competitor and can factor in the money in every race. More of the same here.

7. Rays Finishline (My Judge - Ivyona Star) has shown good early speed in both rounds and has turned one of those efforts into a win. He will contend early, but the stretch is another question mark.

8. Rays Scout (My Judge - Ivyona Star) is just like his brother, a good early speed threat over 660. He too is a bit short in the stretch and should be again in this effort. If he wants to contend, he must break.

This race is going to be highly contested from the box to the wire. We have loads of early speeders and it is going to get congested early on in this effort. One thing I do know is that La's Lucy is undefeated. She has the best time so far, and she can win from off the pace too. Even if they do beat her to the lead in this race, all of the rest of them are short in the stretch, she is not! So whatever she has to do in this race, she does to stay unblemished in the Derby. Ray's Finishline, Uss Fine Touch, and Rays Scout, will all come out running in this effort and will factor on or near the early pace in this race. How long they last? Who might upset? I don't know, but it will be an exciting race to watch early on. If there is trouble behind, someone might just sneak off with a victory tonight. (2-7-1-8)

Results Round 2 Orange Park Derby

DQ Duo Remain Undefeated in Derby

The beat rolled on Monday Evening as the Dynamic Duo from the DQ Williams Kennel continued to dominate as they press on for the finals and chance to repeat as winners for the second year in a row.

The only difference this time out, La's Lucy was the queen of the hill and Bad For Ya had to settle for the second best winning effort on the card.

Lucy exploded from the starting box and drove to the inside part of the racetrack from her 8 box starting position. She was in instant command of this effort and frankly was never in question. She was pressed really early by Where's Big Papa, but he faded way back out of contention. As the race went on, she just got further and further away from the competition. She crossed the finish line all alone and 7.5 lengths clear of her nearest competitor. Her 37.38 second clocking was the best so far in the stakes and if she keeps breaking and running like this, they are going to be hard pressed to beat her. Next best was first round winner Eds Budby and the every closing Racheal Lee completed the trifecta.

Bad For Ya might not have looked quite as impressive as he did in the first round, but he still won in fine fashion to remained unbeaten in the 2010 Orange Park Derby. At the break Rays Scout came to run and broke stride for stride with Bad For Ya. This pair traded the lead back and forth all the way to the backside, but this is where the game changed. Bad for Ya had enough of the challenge and drove hard to take command of this race. He looked very determined on the lead as he coasted after the bunny and was really in a zone all by himself. Kiowa True Love finished a strong 2nd after a great trip and the aforementioned Rays Scout settled for show.

The Lester Raines Kennel matched DQ on this evening with a pair of second round winners of their own. Veteran Xtra Style got back into the winner's column as well and the recent convert Uss Fine Touch. Even though they might have gotten it done in different manners, the both looked quite impressive in their victories.

Xtra Style showed that great closing ability in her victory in the 9th race on the card. She broke well and was way too close early on, and as normal, that meant bad news for the early leaders in this race. Rays Taxman was cruising on the early lead, but that was only going to last for so long. The far turn was redemption time for Style. With a mighty surge she bolted right by the leader and took over as the one to beat as they headed for the stretch. From that point it really was not a contest. She drove away from the field and crossed the finish line 6 lengths clear of the competition. Taxman won the photo for place as Eds Joy Of Pride and Kiowa Unnat just missed out in 3rd and 4th position at the wire.

Uss Fine Touch might have lost the lead in her last effort, but tonight she decided early on that it wasn't going to happen to her twice in a row. She rushed to grab command of this race in the early turn and stole away enough of a lead early on to hold the closers at bay in the stretch for the victory. She was never really in question though as she had 2 lengths to play with at the finish line. Some big time races were run behind her. On The Fly worked thru early traffic to get clear and close from 4th all the way to challenge in place and Cjc's Smoothmove did a similar job from even further back to finish 3rd.

The remaining winner in the stakes was Rays Finishline. This Connell entry is one of a group of brothers and sisters competing in this stakes race. All are in grade A and all seem to be able to compete at 550 and 660 yards. Finishline was the only winner for them in this round, but Rays Taxman won in round 1, and Rays Scout and Taxman have been the money throughout this stakes event. All seem to be a bit short at the end of the race and that played out in this effort too. Rays Finishline broke extremely well and stole away about 3 lengths on the rest of the field in the early stages. He was going to need every inch of that lead by the far turn. Comedrinkwithme had closed up on the leader and was shadowing his every move as they headed out of the far turn and down the stretch. This pair dueled all the way to the finish line, but no matter how hard Drinkwithme tried he just couldn't get past the leader before the wire. Rays Finishline survived for the win and Comedrinkwithme had to settle for second. In a photo for show, Kiowa Uzzia outshined Eds Go For It at the wire.

Even though the field has gotten shorter for the quarter-finals, the action will be tougher in the third round with three exciting races scheduled for Friday Evening January 29th at the Orange Park Kennel Club. Both DQ entries drew different races, so there could be 2 undefeated greyhounds after 3 rounds if they can do it again. Plan to come out and watch live or catch the great stakes on Jaxkennel.com.