News Update:

March News
Next news update March 15

Kiowa AK Richpie impresses over 660
TMC’s Remedy runner-up in Flashy Sir
Zenyatta and Rachael Alexandra featured via simulcast March 13

Join us this weekend as our 660-yard athletes continue to tune up for the upcoming $100,000 Distance Classic. TMC’s Remedy will be defending his title in the opening qualifiers on Saturday night March 27 to kick off the series that concludes with a big weekend celebration April 9 – 10. Saturday night April 10 we’re giving away $500 a race for the first 10 races that lead up to the 51st running of the Distance Classic. On Wednesday night TMC’s Remedy was seeking the win to move him into the solo slot as top dog, but Kiowa AK Richpie proved he was a force to reckon with when he rocketed to the front in race eight. His lead was to big for the strong closing TMC’s Remedy to overtake. Photo is Alex Hall with Kiowa AK Richpie. photo by Vera Filipelli

Kiowa AK Richpie has been an impressive racer for the top Patriot Kennel. Greyhound Hall of Famer Kay Smith and Al Flohr own Richpie. He was the top point-getter in both the October Fall Sprint and the Sprint Classic last week where he finished fourth. And Richpie finished third in the 660-yard challenge last December. There is no doubt the Lonesome Cry x Kay Race Rich bred pup can go the distance. He will be a strong threat to the Distance Classic defender TMC’s Remedy who was the runner-up in the Flashy Sir award for best distance runner in the nation announced earlier in the week.

America’s sweetest racing Thoroughbreds will be featured at Derby Lane via simulcast Saturday March 13. Zenyatta will compete in the Santa Anita Margarita Invitational Handicap. Her biggest nemesis Rachel Alexandra will be in New Orleans competing in the Ladies at Fairgrounds stakes. Both females are eyeing the Apple Blossom Invitational stakes at Oaklawn on April 9. And, the Kentucky Derby early morning line favorite Lookin At Lucky, trained by Bob Baffert, is also featured this weekend at Derby Lane via simulcast from Oaklawn Park.

The World Classic stakes series at Mardi Gras is underway where Derby Lane’s only entry TMC’s Trail Boss had a troubled round one. Boss was the runner-up in the World Classic stakes last year to Yahoo Omar that won his first round Wednesday night, as he seeks to defend the title. Round two is Saturday night and will also be simulcast at Derby Lane. Good luck to TMC’s Trail Boss.

What a showing of community support. Thank you Freedom Bank at 4th street and 97th avenue here in St. Pete for recognizing our Sprint Classic champion Flying Coal City. The board was flashing while I was driving to work. It's going to look beautiful at night. Thank you to Hollie Blatt, VP & Manager who knows several people that have adopted these wonderful athletes. What a nice gesture and thank you Freedom Bank for your support of the sport.

 

 

 

McAllister repeats in Sprint Classic
Remedy streak halted
Patriot holding top spot

The McAllister’s were all smiles in the winner’s circle (right) Saturday night March 6, as they collected a back to back Sprint Classic victory. L to R is Derby Lane President Vey Weaver presenting the trophy to Malcolm and Barbara McAllister. Al & Marge Hulbert and Kennel assistants Amanda Cardinal and Liz Dunnuck. Leadout holding the champion Flying Coal City is Mike LeShore. photo by Vera Filipelli.

Last year Malcolm and his wife Barbara posed for shots with Flyin Home Depot that scored the win. Saturday night it was Flying Coal City that turned in an exceptional performance after being blocked twice. Coal City poured it on for a rallying victory and posted a blistering 30.36-the fourth fastest time in the history of the stakes and Coal City’s fastest 550-yard time to date. The quickest Sprint Classic winning time of 30.10 was clocked in 2006 by the Daryl Brumage owned Cajun Cain.

McAllister became the fourth kennel in the 35-year history of the stakes to collect a back to back win. Darby Henry became the first with Nicky Finn (83) and Radar Search (84). E. J. Alderson won the 1988 and 1989 classic with Uncle Albert and Killer Diller. Greymeadow kennel holds the record for most consecutive Sprint Classic wins with three consecutive years from 1998-2000 with Greys Flamebeau, Greys Outbound and Greys Starquest.

A season record crowd of 3,239 came out to cheer for their favorite greyhound in the race. AND, the handle of $472,808 was also the largest of the 2009-2010 meet that began last July. The cash giveaway also enticed fans to participate in the stakes evening. Charter kennel’s Odd Inspector was the betting favorite from post seven. When the box opened it was the fleet-footed Hallo Cool Cobra who jumped out to the lead. He carried Aerial Battle out in the backstretch and then blocked Flying Coal City from making a move in the backstretch. Aerial Battle drove around the two and lead briefly, but Coal City recovered for a phenomenal finish. Flying Coal City paid $8.20, $4.60 and $3.80. The complete order of finish was Flying Coal City, Aerial Battle, Odd Inspector, Kiowa AK Richpie, Flying Bergen, Blind By Thirst, Hallo Cool Cobra and Lamorge Streaker.

Two races before the Sprint Classic TMC’s Remedy attempted a sixth in a row. The leading favorite and defending champion in next month’s Distance Classic was the betting favorite in post one. Remedy flew wide in the first turn that might have cost him the win. Meanwhile WW’s Deathvalley broke fourth and powered his way to the front in the backstretch. Although Remedy was within striking distance in the backstretch, Deathvalley pulled away from the pack in championship style to win by six lengths at the wire. WW’s Deathvalley was the St. Petersburg Derby champion last June and is expected to enter the Distance Classic. TMC’s Remedy remains in a two-way tie with Aerial Battle as "top dog" with eight wins since January. Kiowa Knockout won last year’s $35,000 stakes at Naples and was the early leader. She finished a respectable third and will also enter the Distance Classic that begins March 27.

Patriot kennel takes the lead again. "Al Flohr and Kay Smith have given us some really nice pups," said Patriot trainer and kennel manager Victor Hall. "I feel very blessed to be this competitive against Barney O’Donnell’s dogs." The Patriot kennel began closing in last month and has jockeyed the top spot with Filipelli & O’Donnell ever since. Patriot’s Kiowa Trent Tira currently holds the season’s fastest 550-yard time of 30.15 and Kiowa Doriane is one of the five fastest over the 660-yard course. Patriot begins the new week three wins in front with 110. Filipelli & O’Donnell is second followed by Lester Raines, McAllister and Charter making up the top five kennels.

We're giving away $5,000 cash Saturday night March 6
McAllister defends title in Sprint Classic Saturday night

The McAllister kennel returns to Saturday’s 35th annual Sprint Classic stakes as the defending kennel. Last year the kennel had three finalists and won the stakes race with Flyin Home Depot. This year McAllister has two entries in the race with Flying Coal City in post one and Flying Bergen in post eight. Flying Coal City finished the series in third place with 44 points. Bergen finished sixth with 34 points. Coal City is known for his late kick and will be a favorite. Bergen is from a repeat breeding of the bloodlines that produced last year’s finalist and All-American Flying Mancini. Bergen will be most competitive if she gets a clean break. At 19 months, Flying Bergen is the youngest entry in the stakes. Photo is 2009 champion Flyin Home Depot.

The Filipelli & O’Donnell kennel is the only other kennel returning from last year’s stakes. Their entry Hallo Cool Cobra was ranked ninth with 26 points and was eliminated after semifinals. A stroke of luck for the kennel put the 73-pound male back in the final after Deco Bull Rum (Capabal) was eliminated with an interfered line. Last year the kennel finished second in the race final with TMC’s Trail Boss.

Patriot kennel drew post four with Kiowa AK Richpie who earned the most points (50) in the series. Richpie was also the high point-getter in the Fall Sprint stakes. Richpie reeled off two in a row before the series and added a pair of wins during the first two rounds. The dual distance male is lethal if he gets a lane to race in.

Alderson kennel’s Lamorge Streaker is the track sweetheart and the oldest in the field. She turned four years old in November and showed the youngsters the way around the track. Streaker finished fifth high in the series with 36 points. Streaker encountered trouble in semifinals that put her out of a money finish for the first time in six starts. Streaker is also eyeing a 75th career win in the stakes. The Alderson kennel is the longest running kennel at Derby Lane. The last time they were in the Sprint Classic winner’s circle was in 1989 with the well-known Killer Diller.

Charter kennel’s Odd Inspector was undefeated until Wednesday’s semifinal round where the male had a troubled race and finished last. Inspector drew the outside seven box where he won from in round two. He will be a favorite in the race. Inspector wrapped up the series ranked second with 48 points. Inspector’s biggest threat could be Aerial Battle that will break next to him in post six.

Capabal kennel’s Aerial Battle is this year’s Matinee Idol champion and hopes to collect a second stakes win. The Lincoln import has impressed since his debut. Battle will look to assault the field with a flashy break that could put him several lengths in front if all goes his way. Battle ranks fourth with 37 points from the series and could be the betting favorite.

In 2007 Floyd & Porter’s Hometown Boy became the only greyhound in Sprint Classic history to sweep the entire series. Boy won all qualifiers and the stakes race final. This year’s entry Blind By Thirst ranks seventh with 33 points in the series. Thirst came from fifth to first in semifinals that secured his entry in tonight’s feature. He will need some racing luck to win from post five and will pay handsome if he upsets the field.

Best of luck to all of the finalists.

Breaking news for Thursday March 4, 6:45PM, EST

Posts for the 35th annual Sprint Classic have been drawn. Below is race 10 Saturday night March 6. Full story to follow.

35th Annual Sprint Classic final
Race 10 Saturday night March 6

IN POST POSITION ORDER
1-Flying Coal City, McAllister
2-Hallo Cool Cobra, Filipelli & O'Donnell
3-Lamorge Streaker, Alderson
4-Kiowa AK Richpie, Patriot
5-Blind By Thirst, Floyd & Porter
6-Aerial Battle, Capabal
7-Odd Inspector, Charter
8-Flying Bergen, McAllister

 

News for March 4, 2010

TMC’s Remedy continues distance spree and collects 50th career win
Field set for Saturday’s Sprint Classic stakes
Posts drawn Thursday night

While the 550-yard semifinalists for Saturday’s Sprint Classic were competiting for a slot in the stakes, TMC’s Remedy (Lonesome Cry x TMC’s Josalynn) won the photo for win in race eight that gave him a fifth consecutive win and his 50th career victory. The three and a half-year old male continues to impress as he tunes up to defend his title in next month’s Distance Classic. Remedy is also waiting to hear if he will be among the top eight greyhounds in the nation named to the All America Team that will be announced later this month. Remedy is also a leading candidate for a Flashy Sir nod. Both awards will be announced this month. TMC’s Remedy is owned by Eddie McDonald of TX and races with the Filipelli & O’Donnell kennel. Holding TMC's Remedy (right) is kennel helper David Keck.

The Sprint Classic semifinals saw several upsets in the first heat. The sixth race saw Floyd & Porter’s Blind By Thirst (EM’s Mac Attack x Brinks Vennesso) upset the favorite Deco Bull Rum to score the top points moving Thirst from 13th place to seventh earning him a post in the final. Flying Bergen was in the lead but met interference by Deco Bull Rum who was eliminated from the stakes. Although he met interference Bergen advanced. The complete order of finish was Blind By Thirst, Flying Bergen, Deco Bull Rum, Starz Lee Steel, Lamorge Red Fish, LK Aramis, Yahoo Oscar and Hallo Cool Cobra.

The tenth race was the toughest with the majority of the high point getters in the field. Flying Coal City won the race paying $19.80. Coal City’s win gives the defending McAllister kennel two shots at the title on Saturday. Aerial Battle was the betting favorite and was caught in the stretch by City. Battle ran second followed by Kiowa AK Richpie, Cold Fusion, Lamorges Aces Up, Lamorge Streaker, Bow Tie Brigade and Odd Inspector.

The points were tallied and due to the elimination of Deco Bull Rum who scored third high in the series, the ninth place greyhound was moved to the last slot. There was a tie between Hallo Cool Cobra that ran last and Cold Fusion who scored a fourth. Hallo Cool Cobra who was eliminated earlier was reinstated with a better record in the series for the tie-breaker. Below are the eight greyhounds that made the final. Posts for the race will be drawn Thursday night and posted on Vera’s News immediately following.

35th annual Sprint Classic finalists – NOT in post position order
Kiowa AK Richpie, 50 points, Patriot
Odd Inspector, 48 points, Charter
Flying Coal City, 44, McAllister
Aerial Battle, 37, Capabal
Lamorge Streaker, 36, Alderson
Flying Bergen, 34, McAllister
Blind By Thirst, 33, Floyd & Porter
Hallo Cool Cobra, 26, Filipelli & O’Donnell
Substitute if needed is Cold Fusion, 26, Lester Raines


 

News update for Wednesday March 3, 2010
Sprint Classic semifinals tonight
Twin Trifecta Jackpot is forced out EVERY Wednesday night
TMC's Remedy seeks five in a row tonight

The semifinal rounds of the 35th annual Sprint Classic will be held tonight in races six and ten. The top eight greyhounds scoring the most points after race ten tonight will compete in the March 6 final. AND, ten fans will take home $500 each, as we draw names during the first ten races for a total cash giveaway of $5,000 Saturday night March 6.

Among tonight’s field is the undefeated Odd Inspector who is chasing Hometown Boy’s undefeated mark and record race. Hometown Boy is the only greyhound in the history of the stakes to win every round and the stakes race final. He accomplished that in 2007. The majority of the top point getters will battle in race ten tonight. The first semi in race six features the fleet-footed Hallo Cool Cobra who is expected to beat the box and set the pace. Cobra is ranked #7th and will need a good finish to guarantee him a slot in the final. Deco Bull Rum is ranked third in the race and does not have to impress to make it to the final. He won two of his three rounds.

The tenth race is a prelude to the final. The smoke filled race features Odd Inspector going for four in a row. He leads with 48 points and just needs to skip around the track, as he has already earned his post in the final. Lamorge Streaker, the oldest in the field, impressed all in round three when the female scored the win against a tough field. She is in the strongest field and the top points could be scored by any of the eight. Among the field is Kiowa AK Richpie who split leaders to take second place last Saturday. Richpie has also earned enough points to advance to the final so he does not have to repeat his Saturday stamina. Following the tenth race tonight, the elite eight will be posted that will compete on Saturday. The post draw will be held in the Racing Office Thursday night and posted here on Vera’s News immediately following.

Wednesday matinee notes:
Race 2: Some nice pups making their maiden debut in this race features Kiowa Starz Dale who won both schoolers. J’s Texas drew favorably on the rail after two schoolers from the inside. Silver Acclaim also schooled well. Both his races were from the rail and he competes from the outside eight.
Race 4: Littermates sired by 2008 Flashy Sir winner TK’s Quick Strike make their maiden debut. Strike And Spare and Strike It Up break next to each other in post three and four.
Race 6: Kiowa WL Cougar should be a favorte from the rail post in this top grade field. Kelsos Babycham and Flyin Griffin are the program favorites.
Race 10: Vegas Rooster has been installed as the program favorite. The male is seeking a third win in his past four starts. WW’s Fox Hunter could upset if he beats the box.
Race 12: Kiowa Trent Tira holds the season’s fastest time and was moved back to the shorter run. She finished second last week and should be able to get out and score a win in this field.
Race 13: Sparky Fastpants is a graded maiden that could be the sleeper in this field.
Race 14: Kiowa AK Richie is the litter-brother to Sprint Classic semifinalist Kiowa AK Richpie.

Wednesday night notes:
Race 3: Special Purpose is making his maiden debut after acing his two schoolers by nine and four lengths. Race 5: Kiowa Hallo Win baosts a perfect four of four money record on her way up the graded ladder. She will be a favorite in this first half of the Tri Super race.
Race 6: This is the first of two semifinal heats for the Sprint Classic. Deco Bull Rum should move to the final but for the remaining seven it is anyone’s game. The results of this field will control who advances.
Race 8: TMC’s Remedy is seeking five in a row as the distance athlete tunes up for next month’s Distance Classic. The stakes begins at the end of this month. The male is in contention for an All American nomination and a Flashy Sir nod.
Race 10: The Sprint Classic prelude features the majority of the high point getters. This race will definitely showcase the sprint talent and give great insight into Saturday’s final. Final eight posted tonight.

 

Breaking news Monday night March 1, 7:20 PM, Est.
Semifinal for Sprint Classic has been drawn
Sneak Peek for Wednesday night’s races below

The draw and post shake was held in the Racing Office after official weigh-in Monday night and the semifinals are set. Sixteen will compete, eight will move on after Wednesday to the 35th annual stakes race final over the 550-yard course. Charter kennel’s Odd Inspector is the point leader and the only undefeated semifinalist. Only one greyhound has ever swept the entire event and that was Hometown Boy in 2007 for the Floyd & Porter kennel. The kennel has two in the semifinals with Blind By Thirst who drew the seven post in race six and Bow Tie Brigade who will break from the coveted rail post in the tenth.

Below is an early peek at the race.
Sprint Classic Semifinal
Race 6 Wednesday night March 3

1-Flying Bergen, 24 McAllister
2-Hallo Cool Cobra, 26 Filipelli & O’Donnell
3-Starz Lee Steel, 19 Patriot
4-Yahoo Oscar, 13 Campbell
5-Lamorge Red Fish, 13 Alderson
6-LK Aramis, 20 Magic City – Mighty Fine
7-Blind By Thirst, 17 Floyd & Porter
8-Deco Bull Rum, 38 Capabal


Sprint Classic Semifinal
Race 10 Wednesday night March 3

1-Bow Tie Brigade, 22 Floyd & Porter
2-Aerial Battle, 27 Capabal
3-Cold Fusion, 20 Lester Raines
4-Odd Inspector, 48 Charter
5-Kiowa AK Richpie, 42 Patriot
6-Flying Coal City, 28 McAllister
7-Lamorge Streaker, 34 Alderson
8-Lamorge Aces Up, 9 Magic City- Mighty Fine

 

Update for Sunday Feb. 28

Odd Inspector continues undefeated spree in Sprint Classic series
Lamorge Streaker impresses again
TMC’s Remedy collects four in a row
Hennessy hits bullseye in Ladbrokes Golden Jacket stakes

Saturday night’s third round of the Sprint Classic saw Charter kennel’s Odd Inspector give another outstanding performance in the Sprint Classic series. The two and a half year-old male owned by Linda Jones of KS collected his third consecutive win Saturday night. Hallo Cool Cobra broke quickly but was no match for Flying Bergen who snatched the lead and was leading by four in the homestretch. Odd Inspector touted his closing style once again to score a third set of win points Flying Bergen racked up second place points followed by Bow Tie Brigade that nosed out Cobra for fourth. Inspector won by two lengths in 31.33 and paid $8.20 over the bet favorite Aerial Battle who was also seeking the hat trick in the field. Fifth through eighth was Starz Lee Steel, LD Aramis, Aerial Battle and Lamorge Redfish.

The second heat saw the track sweetheart Lamorge Streaker of the Alderson kennel halt the streak of Deco Bull Rum and pay $19.20 for her upset in 30.97. The oldest contender in the series proved her experience paid off. The flashy female broke third and rushed up to take the lead and win handily. Kiowa AK Richpie, the favorite at 9-5, gave an exceptional run for second when he encountered early trouble and closed from fifth to second between greyhounds to collect second place points. Cold Fusion also came on strong from last to third followed by Deco Bull Rum, Blind By Thirst, Flying Coal City, Yahoo Oscar and Lamorge Aces Up. The semifinal round of the Sprint Classic will be held Wednesday. The draw for the semifinals will be held Monday and posted right here on Vera’s News at approximately 7:00 PM, EST.
Below are the semifinalists in point order.

Odd Inspector, 48 points, Charter
Kiowa AK Richpie, 42 points, Patriot
Deco Bull Rum, 38 points, Capabal
Lamorge Streaker, 34 points, Alderson
Flying Coal City, 28 points, McAllister
Aerial Battle, 27 points, Capabal
Hallo Cool Cobra, 26 points, Filipelli & O’Donnell
Flying Bergen, 24 points, McAllister
Bow Tie Brigade, 22 points, Floyd & Porter
LK Aramis, 20 points, Magic City –Mighty Fine
Cold Fusion, 20 points, Lester Raines
Starz Lee Steel, 19 points, Patriot
Blind By Thirst, 17 points, Floyd & Porter
Yahoo Oscar, 13 points, Campbell
Lamorge Red Fish, 13 points, Alderson
Lamorges Aces Up, 9 points, Magic City – Mighty Fine

TMC’s Remedy continued his distance dominance Saturday night by collecting four in a row as the male remains the leading favorite in next month’s Distance Classic. Remedy is owned by Eddie McDonald of TX. TMC’s Remedy was ranked one of America’s top dogs in 2009 and is a candidate for All America honors. TMC’s Remedy is also among the list of candidates vying for the Flashy Sir nod. All greyhound awards will be announced in March. Remedy races with the Filipelli & O’Donnell kennel.

Ireland’s Paul Hennessy has done it again! This time it was in England. A special congratulations to all the connections of Group Skater, winner of the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket stakes at Crayford. Hennessy participated in the 2006 Derby Lane Million with Barefoot Man of Ireland and sent Ardkill Jamie to contend in the 2008 race that cancelled. Jamie was stuck in the states for months before he could return to Ireland. The male made many appearances with me promoting the sport and even helped celebrate local celebrity Mason Dixon’s birthday before he returned home to Ireland.Called the "shot in the dark" Hennessy’s Group Skater hit the bullseye with a superb victory in the £15,000 final of the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket over 714m at Crayford on February 27, 2010. Hennessy admitted in Friday’s Racing Post that "it was a shot in the dark coming over for this", but his calculated gamble paid off in style. Midway Skipper made a slick break and, holding her pitch at the first bend as the field converged on her, shot clear as they crowded. Group Skater made a moderate start, but slowed down cleverly as they bunched, and then hugged the rails into the second. Read more in Sunday's Racing Post
http://www.racingpost.com/news/greyhounds/group-hugs-rails-to-give-hennessy-jacket-glory/686658/top/

 

 

Breaking News Thursday night February 25, 2010
updated 7:11PM, est.

Field set for round three of Sprint Classic
Kiowa Power Pak pulled…reuniting with owners in Miami

The races and posts have been drawn for the third round of the 35th annual Sprint Classic series. Wednesday night’s races saw three of the four first-round winners repeat their performances. Below is a sneak peek at the races in post position order for Saturday night’s round three.
Other news: Kiowa Power Pak has been pulled from Derby Lane and will join the O'Donnell kennel in Miami. No official plans have been announced for the WV superstar.

Round 3 Sprint Classic
Race 6, Saturday Night February 26

1-Bow Tie Brigade, Floyd & Porter
2-Aerial Battle, Capable
3-Odd Inspector, Charter
4-Flying Bergen, McAllister
5-Hallo Cool Cobra, Filipelli & O’Donnell
6-LK Aramis, Magic City – Mighty Fine
7-Starz Lee Steel, Patriot
8-Lamorge Red Fish, Alderson

Round 3 Sprint Classic
Race 10, Saturday Night February 26

1-Deco Bull Rum, Capable
2-Blind By Thirst, Floyd & Porter
3-Yahoo Oscar, Campbell Greyhound
4-Lamorge Aces Up, Magic City – Mighty Fine
5-Lamorge Streaker, Alderson
6-Flying Coal City, McAllister
7-Kiowa AK Richpie, Patriot
8-Cold Fusion, Raines

 

Updated 10:35 PM Feb. 24.

Deco Bull Rum, Odd Inspector, Kiowa AK Richpie undefeated in Sprint Classic series
Greta’s Cryhondo beats Kiowa Power Pak...again!
Smooth Jackeroo pays $96.60 to win Wednesday night
Nodirtinmyface heads $1 super paying $27,518 Wednesday night

Wednesday night’s races saw three of the four round one winners repeat their performances in the Sprint Classic series. Deco Bull Rum went box to wire for Capabal. Odd Inspector ran down a second competitor to score a pair of top points and Kiowa AK Richpie took charge in the backstretch to score a back to back win. Flying Coal City added win points to his second place points in round one when he ran down the fleet-footed Hallo Cool Cobra in the seven-dog field. The field was sliced to 16. Nine points was the cutoff. There was a three-way tie for the last spot. Lamorge Aces Up had the better finish of the three. If there is a scratch Backwood Nan (Campbell) would be the substitute. Alan Green (Cal Holland) also had 9 points and would be a second alternate if needed. Below is the top sixteen that will move to round three Saturday. The draw will be held in the Racing Office Thursday night February 25 and will be posted right here on Vera’s News immediately following for a sneak peek at the Saturday field.

Top sixteen advancing to Round Three Saturday February 27.
Deco Bull Rum 32 Capabal
Odd Inspector 32 Charter
Kiowa AK Richpie 32 Patriot
Flying Coal City 26 McAllister
Aerial Battle 26 Capabal
Hallo Cool Cobra 20 Filipelli & O’Donnell
Lamorge Streaker 20 Alderson
LK Aramis 18 Magic City – Mighty Fine
Starz Lee Steel 16 Patriot
Bow Tie Brigade 14 Floyd & Porter
Flying Bergen 14 McAllister
Blind By Thirst 14 Floyd & Porter
Lamorge Red Fish 13 Alderson
Cold Fusion 12 Raines
Yahoo Oscar 12 Campbell
Lamorge Aces Up 9 Magic City – Mighty Fine

Wednesday night Wheeling invader Kiowa Power Pak had to take a back seat again to Capabal kennel’s Greta’s Cryhondo (Coldwater Konow x Bobbye’s Dallas), who beat Kiowa Power Pak from scoring a first win in FL on Saturday and a 50th career win Wednesday night.
Big prices were seen Wednesday night when Nodirtinmyface (Campbell) headed the maiden superfecta in race three that paid $27,518 for the 2-5-3-7 combination. AND, in race 12 Floyd & Porter kennel's Smooth Jackeroo paid $96.60 to win his grade D race. Jackeroo missed winning his last start by a head.

 

Updated Monday night Feb. 22, 2010
Round #2 Sprint Classic Wednesday night- Sneak peek below
Dr. Randy pulled from stakes
Aerial Battle seeks five straight Wednesday
Kiowa Power Pak back Wednesday night race 11

Round two of the Sprint Classic will be in races 4, 6, 8 and 10 Wednesday night. Nova kennel’s Dr. Randy was pulled from the stakes after he collided and fell in round one. The fourth race Wednesday night is a seven-dog field. Aerial Battle hopes to continue his streak in race eight. The Matinee Idol champion is pitted against round one winner Odd Inspector. The field will be sliced to the top 16 following the tenth race Wednesday night. Wheeling invader Kiowa Power Pak is back on track Wednesday night in with the majority of the same field he ran against Saturday night. Pak drew the rail post against Greta’s Cryhondo who kept the male at bay and won back to back distance races. She drew the two post. Its Quillan is back in the seven post again and Kiowa Doriane drew the five box in the 11th race that is the first half of the Twin Trifecta.

Round #2 Sprint Classic
In post position order. Points included
Race 4 Wednesday Night February 24

1-Hi Noon Showboat (1) Nova
2-Flying Coal City (10) McAllister
3-Yahoo Oscar (6) Campbell
4-Starz Lee Steel (8) Patriot
5-WW’s Revamped (3) Wayne Ward
6-Lamorge Aces Up (8) Magic City – Mighty Fine
7-Hallo Cool Cobra (10) Filipelli & O’Donnell
8-THIS IS A SEVEN- DOG RACE

Round #2 Sprint Classic
In post position order. Points included
Race 6 Wednesday Night February 24

1-Deco Bull Rum (16) Capabal
2-Flying Bergen (8) McAllister
3-Sailors Return (2) D’Arcy
4-Lamorge Red Fish (10) Alderson
5-Bow Tie Brigade (6) Floyd & Porter
6-Bow Miyabi (1) Abernathy
7-Cold Fusion (2) Raines
8-Upcomin Design (0) Charter 

Round #2 Sprint Classic
In post position order. Points included
Race 8 Wednesday Night February 24

1-Blind By Thirst (6) Floyd & Porter
2-Jack’s Shortfuse (2) Cal Holland
3-Kiowa Lazy Lazy (6) Raines
4-Cleo N Honey (2) Abernathy
5-Fine Cheyenne (0) Royal Racing Team
6-Backwood Nan (3) Campbell
7-Odd Inspector (16) Charter
8-Aerial Battle (16) Capabal

Round #2 Sprint Classic
In post position order. Points included
Race 10 Wednesday Night February 24

1-Duke Of Davron (1) Royal Racing Team
2-Lamorge Streaker (10) Alderson
3-Kiowa Gee Whiz (0) Filipelli & O’Donnell
4-Nicolaus Sliver (1) D’Arcy
5-Alan Green (3) Cal Holland
6-Kiowa AK Richpie (16) Patriot
7-LK Aramis (8) Magic City – Mighty Fine
8-WW’s South Pole (3) Wayne Ward

 

 

Updated Feb. 21

Capabal scores two wins in first round Sprint Classic
Round two Sprint Classic is Wednesday night

The first round of the 2010 Sprint Classic is in the books and top dogs will be vying for a second set of high points in round two Wednesday night. Capabal kennel’s Deco Bull Rum posted the first set of top points in race four Saturday night. Bull Rum won the photo against the betting favorite Lamorge Streaker from the Alderson kennel. Streaker was in front, but a rub from Rum at the wire took the win away from the track sweet heart. Lamorge Aces Up finished third followed by Bow Tie Brigade that completed the superfecta. The winning time was 31.07 and Bull Rum paid $9.60 to win. Fifth through eighth was Backwood Nan, Sailors Return, Hi Noon Showboat and Upcomin Design.

The sixth race saw the evenly matched field head to the turn at once causing a first turn jam that saw Dr Randy, Cold Fusion and Bow Miyabi collide and fall in the first turn. Kiowa AK Richpie left the trouble behind to score top points for Patriot kennel. Lamorge Red Fish collected second place points followed by Flying Bergen and Yahoo Oscar taking third and fourth respectively. Richpie clocked a 30.95 and paid $7.60. Fifth through eighth went to WW’s South Pole, Cold Fusion, Bow Miyabi and Dr. Randy.

Race eight saw Odd Inspector run down the favorite Hallo Cool Cobra and pull away in a seven and a half-length victory clocking the fastest first round time of 30.73. The Charter kennel entry paid $7.00 to win. Hallo Cool Cobra was second followed by LK Aramis, Blind By Thirst, WW’s Revamped, Jack’s Shortfuse, Nicolaus Silver and Fine Cheyenne.

After three heats of upsets a favorite finally pulled through and held to win. Capabal kennel scored a second winner in the series with Aerial Battle who went box to wire and held off Flying Coal City by a half-length. Starz Lee Steel took advantage of a preferred outside post to score third place points. Kiowa Lazy Lazy completed the superfecta. Battle won in 30.83 to pay $3.40 to win. Fifth through eighth place went to Alan Green, Cleo N Honey, Duke Of Davron and Kiowa Gee Whiz finished last. The second round of the Sprint Classic will be Wednesday night February 24. The field will be sliced to sixteen. The races and posts will be drawn Monday night for round two and will be on Vera’s News immediately following.

Other news: Kiowa Power Pak made his 660-yard debut Saturday night. Pak, who is a slow breaker, stalked his prey and made his move down the backstretch, but was blocked in the far turn and finished a respectable second to Greta’s Cryhondo from the Capabal kennel that collected their third win of the night. Cryhondo paid $53.80 to win.

Last week Royal Racing Team joined the Derby Lane roster and replaced the La Rosa Enterprises kennel.

Saturday night February 20
Race 4 Round #1 Sprint Classic in post order

1-Bow Tie Brigade, Floyd & Porter
2-Upcomin Design, Charter
3-Backwood Nan, Campbell
4-Lamorge Streaker, Alderson
5-Sailors Return, D'Arcy
6-Deco Bull Rum, Capabal
7-Hi Noon Showboat, Nova
8-Lamorge Aces Up, Magic City - Mighty Fine

Saturday night February 20
Race 6 Round #1 Sprint Classic in post order

1-Dr. Randy, Nova
2-Yahoo Oscar, Campbell
3-Lamorge Red Fish, Alderson
4-Bow Miyabi, Abernathy
5-Kiowa AK Richpie, Patriot
6-Cold Fushion, Raines
7-Flying Bergen, McAllister
8-WW's South Pole, Wayne Ward

Saturday night February 20
Race 8 Round #1 Sprint Classic in post orde
r
1-Jack's Shortfuse, Cal Holland
2-Fine Cheyenne, Royal Racing
3-WW's Revamped, Wayne Ward
4-Blind By Thirst, Floyd & Porter
5-Hallo Cool Cobra, Filipelli & O'Donnell
6-Odd Inspector, Charter
7-Nicolaus Silver, D'Arcy
8-LK Aramis, Magic City - Mighty Fine

Saturday night February 20
Race 10 Round #1 Sprint Classic in post order

1-Kiowa Lazy Lazy, Raines
2-Cleo N Honey, Abernathy
3-Duke Of Davron, Royal Racing
4-Kiowa Gee Whiz, Filipelli & O'Donnell
5-Flying Coal City, McAllister
6-Aerial Battle, Capabal
7-Alan Green, Cal Holland
8-Starz Lee Steel, Patriot

 

Update for February 15
Next update February 18

Cold Fusion wins Rotary Governor’s Feature
TMC’s Remedy wins Sweetheart Challenge
Sprint Classic starts Saturday, sneak peek early Thursday night

For the 6th year, Derby Lane has hosted the three Central Florida Rotary District’s youth leadership institute-known as S4TL (Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders) through the Rotary Goes to the Dogs program. Over 260 Rotarians and their guests attended this year’s event on Saturday, February 13.

The Rotary Governor’s Feature was held in race six where last year’s Governor champion Dewey Millions was defending his title. Dewey was no match for Lester Raines Cold Fusion who surged in the homestretch. Hallo Cool Cobra jumped to the lead and set the pace but could not hold off the charging Lamorge Aces Up and Cold Fusion who took control in the homestretch to win by three lengths.

Pictured in the photo (L-R): Jeff Fee, Director of S4TL, presenting the Trophy to Raines kennel manager and trainer, Ken Lesperance. Vince Cautero, Governor of district 6960, Cliff Snedeker. Governor of district 6950 ; Randy Kizer, Governor of District 6890 and Event Chair, Gene Stern. Kneeling is leadout Cody Williams.

S4TL is a one-week leadership symposium held on the campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Designed as a leadership program for High School Juniors and held in the third week of June each year for more than 30 years, each of the three Central Florida Rotary Districts is involved in sponsoring nominated students to attend this one-week, highly acclaimed leadership institute. Over 130 bright juniors are part of each class. Derby Lane’s generous donations have made this program solvent and an example as one of the most successful youth leadership programs in the nation.

Saturday night the Sweetheart Challenge was held pitting four females against four males. WW’s Revamped set the pace for the males and led to the stretch. His kennelmate Its Quillan put forth a winning effort, much like last year’s Distance Classic final. The outcome was the same as the female finished second again to TMC’s Remedy. His victory took the title back for the males. Last year Lamorge Venus won the race for the females. Derby Lane COO David Tiano presented the trophy to trainer John Filipelli and kennel helper Davina Malpass. Leadout is Quinn Smith.

Congratulations Marie Brady of St. Petersburg, FL who won the Diamond Necklace.

Weekend News updated February 12, 2010

Kiowa Power Pak makes schooling debut Friday night
Diamond Necklace giveaway Saturday night
Dewey Millions defends title in Govenor’s Rotary Feature
TMC’s Remedy highlights Sweetheart Challenge
Fantasy greyhound picks due 7:00 Saturday night

It’s going to be a big weekend at Derby Lane. Friday night fans can get a sneak peek at Kiowa Power Pak who will be making his schooling debut. The top dog from Wheeling WV has made his way south and will be preparing for next month’s Distance Classic.

Saturday matinee the Rotarians are back on track in full force and Dewey Millions will be defending his title in the Rotary Governor’s Feature in the sixth race. Many of the greyhounds in the afternoon feature will be lining up in the first round of the Sprint Classic that begins February 20. Dewey will break from post three and hopes the fleet-footed Odd Inspector doesn’t beat him to the turn from post four. Deco Bull Rum drew the coveted rail post and is looking for an eighth trifecta finish in nine starts. Lamorge Aces UP is outside where he likes to race. Hallo Cool Cobra has won two of his three races after returning from a short rest.

Cold Fusion will be a strong late threat and boasts eight money finishes out of his nine starts this year. Flying Griffin has a perfect nine of nine record and the inside two is a good post for him as well. Kiowa Deli Dana recently moved to the top grade and is looking for her first win there. She will need a little help getting it among the seasoned top grade veterans.

Saturday night fans will be treated to a triple dose of entertainment. The Derby Club restaurant is preparing a special buffet for the evening. Fans attending the night races can enter to win a diamond necklace. And the battle of the sexes will be held in race six featuring this year’s Flashy Sir candidate TMC’s Remedy. His female opponent Its Quillan almost beat the male in last year’s distance classic. He snatched the win away from her at the wire by a neck. WW’s Revamped, Kiowa Doriane and M’s Dream Lady complete the female field. Along with Remedy Flying Coal City will also be a favorite in the race. Bow Miyabi and Magic Porkchop complete the male entries.

The Saturday night Derby Lane fantasy greyhound league has grown to over 50 players. Kcimagemakers our host has done a magnificent job and we can’t thank them enough. Last week’s winner was our own announcer Jim Peake, aka voiceofdl in the league. It’s easy. You just select your winner in each of the 15 races of the Saturday night card. Once you have looked at the entries you go to the Kcimagemaker site
http://www.kcimagemakers.com/greyhound.html

and enter your picks. It’s that easy. Later that evening you will receive a score sheet with everyone’s picks. If you can’t follow along for the night no worries! Sunday morning you will receive an email of the complete score sheet with the winner. Several of us are on Twitter Saturday night tweeting the night away and talking dogs. I am Topgreyhound on twitter. Find me and you'll find our group.

Breaking news February 11, 2010 7:00 PM, EST.
Sneak Peek at Saturday's Sweetheart Challenge and the Rotary Governor's Feature

Derby Lane is going to have a big Saturday with two feature races. The Rotary Governor's Feature in race 6 Saturday matinee and the Sweetheart Challenge featuring 4 females against 4 males over the tough 660-yard course. The Governor's feature presents Alderson kennel's Dewey Millions who is the defending champion in the race. He won the feature last year and hopes for a repeat Saturday matinee.

Saturday night in the battle of the sexes race six features TMC's Remedy, who is vying for the Flashy Sir title representing the males and last year's Distance Classic runner-up Its Quillan hoping to win for the ladies.

Saturday Matinee 2/13/10 Race 6 - Rotary Governor's Feature
1-Deco Bull Rum, Capabal
2-Flying Griffin, McAllister
3-Dewey Millions, Alderson
4-Odd Inspector, Charter
5-Kiowa Deli Dana, Patriot
6-Hallo Cool Cobra, Filipelli & O'Donnell
7-Cold Fusion, Lester Raines
8-Lamorges Aces Up, Magic City - Mighty Fine

Saturday night 2/13/10 Race 6 Sweetheart Challenge
1-Magic Porkchop, McAllister
2-WW's Revamped, Wayne Ward
3-Kiowa Doriane, Patriot
4-TMC's Remedy, Filipelli & O'Donnell
5-M's Dream Lady, Magic City - Mighty Fine
6-Bow Miyabi, Abernathy
7-Its Quillan, Wayne Ward
8-Flying Coal City, McAllister
 


Wednesday February 10

Twin Trifecta Jackpot is forced out every Wednesday night. Over $6,000 for Wed. Matinee 2/10/10
Tri Super Jackpot is over $12,000 today.

Wednesday warriors include Kiowa AK Charlie vs Melinda's Baby returning after a layoff in race 10 Wed. mat.
Aerial Battle early favorite race 12 mat.
Wednesday night
Tom's Last Evro vs Deco Bull Rum and USS Obedience in race 6 Wed. eve. Race 8 Wed. eve features TMC's Remedy favorably posted in the 6 against Kiowa Trent Tazz and Backwood Nan. Sovereign Gold is seeking the hat trick in race 10. Odd Inspector is the leading favorite in first half of Twin Trifecta in race 11 tonight. The back half of the Twin Trifecta features Lamorges Aces UP and TMC's Trail Boss expected to shake off last week's fading finish in race 13 tonight.

 

Patriot new leader in Kennel standings
GPA Tampa Bay 5K a hit
Sweet giveaway Saturday night

Last week Patriot kennel was building momentum and gaining on the top kennel. The kennel also recorded a new season’s best time. Trainer Victor Hall continued to watch his athletes perform successfully. Patriot kennel won 12 races last week and nudged Filipelli & O’Donnell out of the top spot in the standings to kick off a new week. Patriot is one win in front with 64 wins. Lester Raines kennel also rallied last week with 14 wins and is a close third with 59 wins. McAllister kennel is fourth with 50 followed by Campbell Greyhound Racing’s 49 victories to round out the top five.

A big congratulations goes out to Greyhound Pets of America Tampa Bay Chapter that hosted a first Pet Friendly 5K Run/Fun Walk at Lake Seminole Park Saturday February 6. After the terrible storms Friday night a promising rainbow set the stage for the Saturday morning event. Dogs from many breeds joined their owners in the competition. GPA volunteer Debra Crawford organized the event. "I love to run and compete in many competitions. I have always wanted to run with my pet and thought it would be fun to do," said Crawford. "I am happy with the turnout for a first time event and look forward to holding another one next year." Crawford is a kindergarten teacher in St. Petersburg and praised the other GPA volunteers that helped her coordinate the event. She also praised Derby Lane a sponsor of the event as well as FAST of Florida, Inc., RoadID, Just Like Home and Pinellas Animal Hospital/Bird Clinic for their sponsorships too.

Join us Saturday night February 13 for a delicious Valentine buffet in the Derby Club. You can now make reservations on line. And, enter to win a diamond necklace to be given away after the running of the Sweetheart Challenge that will pit 4 males against 4 females in a battle of the sexes for the blanket and trophy presentation.

 

 

 

Kiowa North Pole, Backwood Nan & Lamorge Streaker among weekend warriors
Don’t forget to get you entries in for the Saturday night Fantasy Greyhound League
Start your Saturday morning off with a 5K-Pets welcome to join the fun hosted by GPA Tampa Bay

We’ve got a great weekend of greyhound racing lined up highlighting our top sprinters that are prepping for the upcoming $85,000 Sprint Classic that kicks off on February 20. Thirty-two greyhounds will vie for a shot at becoming the elite eight in the stakes final on March 6. Highlighting the sprinters this weekend is Wayne Ward kennel’s Kiowa Northpole who is seeking three in row in race 10 Friday night against Dewey Millions and Starz Lee Steel who has a perfect 6 of 6 since arriving at Derby Lane.

Saturday matinee Cold Sober returns after a month layoff in race 6 to contend with Carolina Flare, who is in grade A for her first start. Flare is seeking the hat trick and could also face opposition from Hallo Cool Cobra who also returned to racing Wednesday afternoon winning his return race. Saturday matinee also features SKG’s Budz is a rising juvenile who is seeking a fourth in a row among the top grade field in race 10. The youngster will face many seasoned veterans including Nicolaus Silver who has missed by a nose his last two starts and Kiowa Class King who is 6 of 7 this year.

Saturday night Odd Inspector goes for two in a row. Wednesday night the speedy male went box to wire from post four. He will break from the inside three. Kiowa Sky Van is seeking his fourth win and fifth quiniela finish in five runs. The 660-yard athletes are featured in race eight. Backwood Nan is seeking the hat trick. The female held off the 660-yard champion TMC’s Remedy last start. She is pitted against Flying Coal City who is looking good after his three-month layoff. Lamorge Aces Up have an impressive performance Tuesday night to come from behind for two in a row. The male is posted well and faces off with Matinee Idol Champion Aerial Battle and last year’s Sprint Classic runner-up TMC’s Trail Boss.

The track sweetheart Lamorge Streaker has had two tough races where she has been shuffled around since her return two weeks ago. Streaker is by far the oldest in the 12th race field. She turned four years old in November and this is more than likely her final racing season. Alan Green is 7 of 8 in the money this year boasting a money finish in his last six starts. Toms Last Evro has moved from grade D to A in his first top grade debut. Tom has been the betting favorite in five of his last six races.

The Saturday fantasy Greyhound League hosted by KCImagemakers.com is featured again this month. Join greyhound enthusiasts from around the globe as they try and pick the top dogs each Saturday night. It’s fun and easy. All one does is pick the winner of each of the 15 races Saturday night and then enter the picks at the KCImagemakers site. They will do the rest. You will receive an email with a score sheet showing everyone’s picks. The following day a confirmation email is sent out with the tallied score card in tact and a winner announced. And, for those that want to interact we’re on Twitter. Just log on to Twitter and find me, Topgreyhound and I’ll link you to all our fantasy tweeters. Good luck! See you Saturday.

Enter your selections at http://www.kcimagemakers.com/greyhound.html

 

 

Patriot athletes closing gap on top kennel
Kiowa Trent Tira sizzles with new season's best

Athletes from the Patriot kennel are closing the gap on the top Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel. The weekly standings were updated Thursday night with Patriot seven behind. Through Saturday night trainer Victor Hall saw his kennel gain two wins towards the top to close out January.  And Patriot kennel's Kiowa Trent Tira edged out Filipelli & O'Donnell's season best time of 30.19 set by Kiowa Gee Whiz last Wednesday matinee. Trent Tira's time of 30.15 was clocked Saturday matinee. Trent Tira is the daughter of Derby Lane's track record holder Trent Lee who set the blistering time of 29.59 in 2006. Tira's mother is Kav V Barbierie. Kiowa Trent Tira is owned by Greyhound of famer Kay Smith.

Greyhound Pets of America Tampa Bay Chapter to host first 5K Run February 6
GPA Tampa Bay will host a pet friendly 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk beginning at 8:30 AM at Lake Seminole Park, FL. "We're excited because people can run/walk with their pets should they choose to," said Maryann Tolliver President of the local chapter. For more information visit: http://www.greyhoundpets.com/index.php

 

 

 

Weekend news for Jan. 29- 30
Don't forget to play in the Saturday night Derby Lane fantasy greyhound league

Last week's Matinee Idol champion Aerial Battle did it again with another box to wire run Thursday night keeping his win streak going and recording the fastest time of the night 30.38. Friday night schooling will see the return of last year's Matinee Idol champion TMC's Trail Boss (Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel) who was also the runner-up in the Sprint Classic. Trail Boss's return is timely as he is expected to be among the starters for this year's race. Round one is Feb. 20. Also schooling Friday night is Kiowa RF Preston (Patriot kennel) who fell in last week's Matinee Idol final. Preston is expected to enter the Sprint stakes as well.

Saturday matinee will see Kiowa Gee Whiz in the sixth race. Gee Whiz is the son of 2007 Derby Lane Million Dollar champion Flying Stanley whelped from Greys Granite. Whiz set a new season's best time Wednesday matinee of 30.19. Lester Raines kennel's star pup Rembrant returned Wednesday in a sensational finish to win his fifth race in seven starts. This pup from super sire Molotov whelped from Molly Shannon is sure to be among the favorites in the upcoming Sprint Classic.

Lamorge Streaker is back on track Saturday night in race six. The fleet-footed female will be the betting favorite and should be able to handle the field. M's Free Lance could give the little lady some trouble as he previously held the season's best time. Race 8 Saturday night features Flying Coal City who will face off with TMC's Remedy, an All American candidate and Flashy Sir entry. Want to improve your handicapping skills? Enter the Saturday night Fantasy Greyhound league hosted by Kcimagemakers. All you have to do is pick your winners of the 15 races and enter them at the Imagemaker website by 7:00pm, est. each Saturday. That's it. You will receive an email with the a score sheet that lists all the players and their picks for the night. Points are given for 1st through 4th place. On Sunday you will receive an email listing who the winner is and the entire list of players and their point totals. We at Derby Lane thank Kcimagemakers for providing the event. Saturday entries are now up. Handicap and enjoy. Enter your selections at : http://www.kcimagemakers.com/greyhound.html

 

 

BREAKING NEWS:


Times Leader reporter Stan Pawloski broke the news today (Jan. 28) that the WV champion Kiowa Power Pak is he
re at Derby Lane and will vie for the $100,000 Distance Classic title in March against Derby Lane's defending champion TMC's Remedy. Both greyhounds will be housed in the Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel. Thank you Stan for allowing me to contribute to this breaking event with my photo and additional quotes! Photo John Filipelli with Kiowa Power Pak to the left and TMC's Remedy (right).

They're both strong candidates for All-American honors and the Flashy Sir Award as the country's top distance greyhound.One races at Wheeling Island - Kiowa Power Pak - while the other - TMC's Remedy - shines at Derby Lane in Florida.Now, it appears the two middle distance superstars will be locking horns.

It was confirmed Tuesday that Kiowa Power Pak has arrived in Florida where he will compete in the upcoming $100,000 Distance Classic at the St. Petersburg racetrack. This week's development undoubtedly will generate plenty of excitement as well as give the industry a much needed shot in the arm.

"Power Pak coming to Derby Lane is definitely going to be among this year's racing highlights. It's exciting he's here - Wheeling's top win leader, the 3/8 phenom," Vera Filipelli, Director of Media Relations/Publicity at Derby Lane in Florida, said. "I don't believe there is anyone in racing who doesn't know who Kiowa Power Pak is and now he will be showcased to an even bigger audience with the Derby Lane simulcast network." Story continues: http://www.timesleaderonline.com/page/content.detail/id/515633.html?nav=5013

 

 

Aerial Battle captures Matinee Idol stakes

The 26th annual Matinee Idol stakes was the eighth race feature Saturday afternoon January 23. Marketing Director Fran Williamson (left) presented the trophy to Capabal kennel trainer Belinda Parker. Next to Parker is kennel assistant Gudrun Scheider and Media Relations Director Vera Filipelli. Holding the champion Aerial Battle is leadout Curtis Edwards.

The afternoon stakes was formed in 1985 to showcase the evening racing stars rarely seen by avid matinee patrons.  Aerial Battle waged an all out assault on the field that saw the brindle male go box to wire in a sizzling 30.28-the second fastest time this year. Aerial Battle was the fastest sprinter last year clocking a season’s best of 30.17.

Aerial Battle is a youngster who turned two years old in September. Owned by John Bladen Aerial Battle was shipped from Rhode Island where he was referred by some of the local fans as the "pride of Lincoln." The speedy male sired by 2002 Matinee Idol champion Dodgem By Design and whelped from Abita Cruzin, followed in his daddy’s paw prints. In 2002 Dodgem By Design broke second from post eight and pulled away from the field to score the Idol win. "He’s young and fast," said trainer Belinda Parker of Battle. "I was worried about Kiowa Gee Whiz (1) because he drew a good box, but when Battle got out I knew he would be hard to catch."  Aerial Battle won the stakes from the outside seven box.

It has been over a decade since the Capabal kennel won the Idol. In 1999 Skimar Thumper gave the kennel their first Idol trophy. "I really like this pup (Aeiral Battle) and he will definitely be our entry for the Sprint Classic next month," Parker said.

Although Kiowa Gee Whiz was the bet favorite, it was Aerial Battle who was the favorite in many chat rooms. The young male lived up to the pre-race hype. He broke sharp and never looked back. A first turn jam saw bow Miyabi and Kiowa RF Preston collide. Odd Inspector got loose and chased Battle around the track. Lamorge Red Fish was a steady third. Aerial Battle paid $11.20, $4.40 and $3.40. Odd Inspector (Charter) finished second followed by Lamorge Red Fish (Alderson), Kiowa Lazy Lazy (Raines), Dutch Dabney (Campbell), Kiowa Gee Whiz (Filipelli & O’Donnell) and Bow Miyabi (Abernathy). Kiowa RF Preston (Patriot) fell.

 

BREAKING NEWS
POSTS DRAWN FOR 26TH INAUGURAL STAKES

1-Kiowa Gee Whiz, Filipelli & O'Donnell
2-
Lamorge Red Fish, Alderson
3-
Odd Inspector, Charter
4-
Dutch Dabney, Campbell kennel
5-
Bow Miyobi, Abernathy
6-
Kiowa RF Preston, Patriot
7-
Aerial Battle, Capable
8-
Kiowa Lazy Lazy, Lester Raines

Upsets in semifinals for Matinee Idol
Check back tonight (Thur.) for a sneak peek at the posts.

Wednesday afternoon the semifinals were held for the 26th annual Matinee Idol stakes that will be featured in race 8 Saturday matinee January 23. Three of the eight finalists were raised by hall of famer Kay Smith that was inducted into the Greyhound Hall of Fame in Abilene, KS last April. Ms. Smith has raised more All Americans than any single breeder. Her greyhounds usually carry the "Kiowa" prefix.

Alderson kennel’s Lamorge Red Fish went box to wire to secure her entry and upset the betting favorite Lamorge Aces Up who was jostled around early and finished sixth. Kiowa RF Preston ran second followed by Aerial Battle. Kiowa Lazy Lazy ran impressively and overcame much trouble to earn his post for Saturday. Red Fish paid $14.00 to win.

Kiowa Gee Whiz was also a box to wire winner and upset the favorite for the Filipelli & O’Donnell kennel. Whiz paid $19.80 and clocked a 30.47-the fastest time of the day. Dutch Dabney chased for second with Odd Inspector, the bet favorite, recording a third place finish. Inaugural champion Sovereign Lord encountered trouble and just missed getting into the stakes by .03 seconds. Bow Miyabi moved up for 4th in the stretch.

The posts for the Matinee Idol stakes will be drawn Thursday night in the Racing office and will be posted immediately following here on Vera’s News at approximately 7:15 pm, est. Below are the finalists that will compete in the 26th annual stakes.

Matinee Idol finalists for Sat. Matinee Jan. 23

NOT IN POST ORDER
Lamorge Red Fish, Alderson kennel
Kiowa RF Preston, Patriot kennel
Aerial Battle, Capabal kennel
Kiowa Lazy Lazy, Lester Raines
Kiowa Gee Whiz, Filipelli & O’Donnell
Dutch Dabney, Campbell Greyhound Racing
Odd Inspector, Charter kennel
Bow Miyabi, Abernathy kennel


 


Posts for Wednesday Matinee Idol semifinals are drawn
Sovereign Lord seeks second stakes this year

Derby Lane’s Inaugural champion Sovereign is eyeing the prize in the 26th annual Matinee Idol stakes. Wednesday matinee semifinals will be held in races 6 and 10. The stakes is the only afternoon stakes of the season. Greyhounds competing in the Wednesday semifinals must finish fourth or better to earn a post in the final that will be held Saturday afternoon January 23 in race 8.

Kicking off the first of the two heats is the return of Flying Coal City from McAllister kennel. The male held the season’s fastest 660-yard time last meet and is returning after a three month layoff. He schooled impressively. Coal City is pitted against Kiowa Lazy Lazy who is seeking four in a row. Lazy Lazy also clocked a previous season’s best time. NOS XX champ Lamorge Aces Up is also in the field seeking another career stakes. Lamorge Red Fish is looking for a fifth win of her past seven starts in semifinals. Aerial Battle is also among the fastest this meet and seeks a repeat win in semifinals. WW Avoid The Law drew the coveted rail and Kiowa RF Preston will seek a fourth or better finish from the eight.

Sovereign Lord’s semifinal is in race ten. The male won impressively last week and is up for the challenge from the same five post as last week’s race. He will be a favorite, but can’t ignore the fleet-footed Odd Inspector. Flip’s Pick could also threaten if he gets out quickly from the one box. Duke Of Davron will be a late threat. Duke has won four of his last six starts in come from behind fashion. Dutch Dabney won his last start from post seven and drew the same box again in this field. Bow Miyabi appears to like the outside and the eight box could give her enough of an advantage to finish among the top four. Kiowa Gee Whiz went box to wire last start from the one and drew close in the two. Hi Noon Harmony is the only grade B among this semifinal heat and will need a little luck to earn her post in the final.

Matinee Idol Semifinal
Race 6 Wednesday matinee January 20

1-WW Avoid The Law, Wayne Ward
2-Flying Coal City, McAllister
3-Kentucky Jude, Cal Holland
4-Lamorges Aces Up, Magic City – Mighty Fine
5-Kiowa Lazy Lazy, Lester Raines
6-Aerial Battle, Capabal Kennel
7-Lamorge Red Fish, Alderson
8-Kiowa RF Preston, Patriot Kennel

Matinee Idol Semifinal
Race 10 Wednesday matinee January 20

1-Flip’s Pick, Floyd & Porter
2-Kiowa Gee Whiz, Filipelli & O’Donnell
3-Hi Noon Harmony, Nova kennel
4-Odd Inspector, Charter kennel
5-Sovereign Lord, D’Arcy kennel
6-Duke Of Davron, La Rosa Enterprises
7-Dutch Dabney, Campbell Greyhound Racing
8-Bow Miyabi, Abernathy kennel
First four finishers from each heat will become the final eight for the 26th annual stakes Saturday AFTERNOON January 23.

 

 

Filipelli & O’Donnell remain on top
Matinee Idol semifinals drawn Monday night, sneak peek here immediately following

For a second week in a row the Filipelli & O’Donnell kennel topped the weekly standings and head into Monday night’s card 12 wins in front of Wayne Ward who is in second place with 25. The Ward kennel finished on top for the Tampa at Derby Lane meet that ran July 1 – December 31. McAllister kennel is holding on to third place with 23 wins followed by Patriot that jumped from sixth to fourth after collecting five wins over the weekend. Abernathy and Lester Raines are tied in fifth place with 20 wins each.

The kennels have entered their top dogs that will compete in semifinals for the 26th annual Matinee Idol stakes this Wednesday matinee. The stakes is the only one held in the afternoon to showcase the stars usually showcased at night. Sixteen greyhounds will be entered and the top four finishers from each of the two races will become the eight finalists for the Saturday January 23 matinee feature. The Matinee Idol will be held in race eight Saturday. The draw will be held in the Racing Office Monday night Jan. 18. An early review will be here on Vera’s News following the draw at approximately 7:30 PM, EST.

Congratulations to Wezineville for the win in the Saturday night Derby Lane Fantasy Greyhound League. Co-founder Handpickedpup was just 2 points behind in 2nd place. Thank you again Kcimagemakers for hosting. See you again Saturday night.

 

Weekend News updated January 15

Kiowa Lazy Lazy, CTW Intercepter, Backwood Nan, & TMC’s Remedy among weekend warriors
Derby Club buffet continues special Friday night $19.25 buffet
Derby Lane fantasy greyhound entries due Saturday

We have a great lineup this weekend as our top dogs pursue victories. Many greyhounds are prepping for the upcoming Matinee Idol stakes. The stakes is the only afternoon stakes event and semifinals will be held this upcoming Wednesday January 20. Each of the 16 kennels will enter their top dog that they feel will take the title. Wednesday night D’Arcy kennel’s Inaugural champion Sovereign Lord gave another exceptional performance and is a favorite for the stakes. This weekend many other greyhounds will showcase their talent as they prep to compete for the stakes title Saturday afternoon January 23.

The 85th birthday celebration continues Friday night and every Friday in January with $19.25 pricing in the Derby Club. Fans can enjoy a great Prime Rib and seafood buffet with soup, salad bar and other entrees.

Every Saturday night Derby Lane fans worldwide enter the Saturday night Fantasy League hosted by KCI Imagemakers. We can’t thank Frank and Shelly enough for their support. Last week over 50 players from across the globe logged on. We also tweet live from Derby Lane every Saturday night. To play select your 15 winners for Saturday night and enter them at http://www.kcimagemakers.com/greyhound.html.

Friday night notes
Race 1: Magic Hickory (6) almost won her last start and hopes to hold on tonight. Far Site Quicker (7) could be her biggest threat.
Race 2: Sovereign Gold (6) is the sister of last week’s Inaugural champion Sovereign Lord. Her and her three littermates are the first pups whelped from Derby Lane 2006 Million Champion Greys Calibrator.
Race 6: Kiowa Lazy Lazy (8) the former seasons fastest is going for the hat trick.
Race 8: Don Jensen (8) is posted favorably in the outside but Its Quillan (3) should get out and steal the show.
Race 10: Lamorge Red Fish (4) is seeking a fifth win in seven races. Fish faces Melinda’s Baby (6) is fleet footed and looking for
a fourth win in seven starts. Z
Race 12: Greta’s Helena (3) is full of early speed and has been nipped in her last two starts. She is a consistent money finisher
and could hold on for the win.


Saturday matinee notes
Race 6: CTW Intercepter (7) is going for four in a row. Kiowa Deli Don (4) is also in the race and seeks the hat trick. Deco Caraways (1) had her win streak snapped at three straight last time out.
Race 8: Kiowa Lee Leon (6) was nosed out last start. The six post might not be favorable for him.
Race 10: Lots of nice hounds in this race. Odd Inspector (1), Kelsos Babycham (7) and Duke Of Davron (8) should be the
trifecta favorites.
Race 12: Lamorges Aces Up (8) is posted well and should score his fifth win in seven races. The former Night of Stars champion
marked his 50th career win on January 7.
Race 15: Spry Worth (8) has drawn an outside post again and should be a favorite.

Saturday night notes
Race 4: Backwood Country (3) is looking for three in a row.
Race 6: Little E Nation (8) ran an impressive race despite trouble last. Upcomin Design (6) has been the bet favorite his last two
starts and is seeking a repeat from the same six box he won his last start from.
Race 8: Backwood Nan (7) won two in a row and ran a respectable third on Wednesday. She is pitted against Distance Classic champion TMC’s Remedy (8). Magic Porkchop (2) returns to racing after an eight-week layoff.
Race 9: Biblio Ray (2) is a new pup that has won two of his first three career starts.
Race 10: Clever Rumble (5) just missed collecting her fourth win in six starts Bow Miyabi (8) is a young pup that has been running well lately. Last year’s Fall Juvenile champion Kelsos Hathaway (7) will also be a strong factor.
Race 12: Kiowa Top Tom (8) is the most seasoned in the field and is eyeing his fifth birthday this year. Although he won’t be a favorite in this field, The male could light the board. TK Rapala could get loose and win the race.
Race 14: Kelsos Egomaniac (8) finished fourth despoite trouble last. The recent top grade drop should be able to handle this field.
Race 15: TMC’s Tornado (2) is returning tonight after an eighth week layoff. He could be rested and ready to blow the field away.

 

 

 

It’s that time of year when all tracks submit their top athletes to the nominating committee for the AGTOA’s All America Team. Each year eight greyhounds are named to the team representing the best greyhound team in the nation. Derby Lane has submitted their veteran champions and notables from the past year. Best of luck to all of the greyhounds including Derby Lane’s finest. Photos of many of the champions below are shown in the photo above.

Below are ten of Derby Lane’s best of 2009.

TMC's Remedy (Lonesome Cry - TMC's Josalynn) Eddie Mc Donald owner. Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel. 1st $100,000 Distance Classic, 1st $75,000 Distance Challenge, 5th $30,000 Mardi Gras Hollywoodian. Raced Derby Lane and Mardi Gras.

Lamorge Streaker (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Hammerhead Doris) G. W. Reich or M. G. Porter owners. Alderson kennel.1st 8,000 T. L. Weaver Memorial, Finalist $8,000 Inaugural, 21 of 23 quiniela finishes 5/23 through 8/29. Raced Derby Lane only.

Kiowa Knockout (Flying Penske - Flying Sweet Amy) Vince Berland owner. Mc Allister kennel. 1st $30,000 Naples Fort Myers Classic, 4th $75,000 Distance Challenge, Finalist $10,000 St. Pete Consolation. Raced Derby Lane, Naples and Mardi Gras.

TMC's Trail Boss (Lonesome Cry - TMC's Josalynn) Eddie Mc Donald owner. Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel. 1st 10,000 Matinee Idol, 2nd $85,000 Sprint Classic, 2nd $75,000 World Classic at Mardigras, 4th $20,00 Joe Ryan Memorial, 3rd $8,000 SP Inaugural. Biggest streak 7 in a row. Raced Derby Lane, Mardi Gras & Wheeling.

WW's Deathvalley (Kiowa Sweet Trey - WW Casey) Julia Ward owner. Wayne Ward kennel.1st $30,000 St. Petersburg Derby, Finalist $100,000 Distance Classic, Finalist $75,000 Distance Challenge. Raced Derby Lane, Mardi Gras & Dubuque.

Backwood Nan (Lonesome Cry - Larry's Boss) Hugo, Hartsfield, Jr. owner. Campbell Greyhound Racing.2nd $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile, 4th $30,000 St Pete Derby, 2nd Night of Stars XXII, Finalist $100,000 Distance Classic, Finalist $75,000 Distance Challenge.

Hallo Gold Acre (Hallo West Acre - TMC's Gold Digger) James E. O'Donnell, Jr. owner. Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel. 1st $50,000 Fall Sprint (SP), 1st $20,000 Joe Ryan Memorial (MG), 4th $75,000 World Classic (MG) 1st Hot Box feature (MG) Has been the betting favorite nearly every start in his career. Raced Derby Lane, Mardi Gras, Wheeling.

Flying Mancini (Kiowa Sweet Trey - Gable Acadia) Greg Mclaughin owner. McAllister kennel.1st $8,000 Derby Lane Inaugural (550), 2nd $10,000 Matinee Idol (550), 3rd $85,000 Sprint Classic (550) Seasons fastest (660) SP, 5th $100,000 Distance Classic (660), 5th $10,000 Holiday Sprint WD, Six in row WD. Was bet favorite in nearly every start in 2009. Raced Derby Lane, Mardi Gras, Bluffs Run and Wheeling Downs.

Its Quillan (Flying Penske - Its A Doubleshot) Julia Ward owner. Wayne Ward kennel. 2nd $100,000 Distance Classic, 3rd $30,000 St. Pete Derby, Finalist $30,000 Naples Fort Myers Classic. Raced Derby Lane, Naples, Mardi Gras & Dubuque.Flying Home Depot (SP) R.BD. M 09/26/2006 (Flying Penske - Shelbourne Moon*) Vince Berland owner. Mc Allister kennel. 21-7-6-1-1 1st $85,000 Sprint Classic (the highest paying 550-yard stakes.)

 

 

 

December News

Sovereign Lord wins 85th Inaugural

How fitting that Sovereign Lord who will celebrate his birthday this month, won the 85th Inaugural at Derby Lane as part of their Birthday celebrations on January 2. Lord will turn two years old on January 25 and is already on track to be a major player this season. The 77-pound male is from champion bloodlines from the crossing of Derby Lane’s first Million Dollar stakes champion Greys Calibrator and Trent Lee who still holds the track record time of 29.59 set in 2006. He too, entered the Derby Lane Million stakes. Sovereign Lord is one of four pups on track at Derby Lane whelped from the champion female. He was the youngest in the field with just sixteen career starts but he raced like a veteran. His trainer Mick D’Arcy who also owns D’Arcy kennel also handled his mother Greys Calibrator.

Lamorge Aces Up, a previous Night of Stars winner, was the betting favorite. When the box opened it was Lord who took charge from the start and led the entire way. Aerial Battle (Capable), who clocked a season’s fastest time last month was in hot pursuit running second throughout. Cold Fusion (Lester Raines) made up a lot of ground late to finish third followed by Upcomin Design (Charter) that completed the superfecta. Lord paid $19.00, $6.80 and $4.40. His winning time of 30.54 was the fastest of the night. Fifth through eighth place was Starz Blackhawk (Patriot), Lamorges Aces Up (Magic City-Mighty Fine), Rooftop Slim To (Cal Holland) and WW’s Revamped (Wayne Ward).

The next stakes race at Derby Lane will be the Matinee Idol. The semifinals will be held Wednesday afternoon January 20. The stakes final is Saturday matinee January 23. Sovereign Lord is eligible for that stakes.

 

We are coming up on a big weekend and the end of the year forced out jackpots. Please note:

Wednesday Night December 30
Derby Lane Twin Trifecta forced out.
St. Pete Inaugural qualifying rounds races 6 & 10

Thursday Night December 31
All Jackpots forced out
Tri-Super (played in races 5 & 7)
Twin Tri (played in races 11 & 13)

Friday Night January 1
Derby Club Dining open for weekend buffet

Saturday Doubleheader January 2
Derby Lane turns 85
Birthday celebrations include 85 cent specials, cash giveaway and the 85th annual Inaugural stakes race final Saturday night.
Hotdog, Soda, Popcorn and Derby Lane program 85 cents each matinee and evening.
$5,000 total cash giveaway. Ten (10) fans will win $500 each in drawings after races 1 thru 10 Sat. Night. Must be 18 yrs. of age and present to win. One entry per person. Full details on main page.
Saturday night race 10 is the 85th annual St. Petersburg Inaugural-the longest running greyhound stakes race in the world. Eight of our top sprinters will vie for the coveted title.

Join the Derby Lane fantasy greyhound league hosted by Kcimagemakers.com Test your handicapping skills by entering your 15 winners before 7:00 PM, EST on Saturday nights. The folks at Kcimagemakers.com compile all the entries from Derby Lane fans around the globe. Many play along on twitter throughout the night tweeting about the night. It's a ton of fun and we are up to over 40 players on Saturday nights. The Derby Lane Saturday night card is posted on Friday. Once you look over the Saturday night entries you just head to the site and enter your picks. Imagemakers does the rest of the work that includes compiling everyone's picks and sending all the players their personal selections along with everyone's picks. The following day a congratulations email goes out and the completed score sheet is posted. To enter visit http://kcimagemakers.com/greyhound.html

 


Breaking News, Mon. eve. 7:56 PM. Inaugural qualifiers have been drawn see below.

Fans following Vera’s News have a sneak peek at Wednesday night’s qualifying rounds for the longest running Greyhound stakes race in the world. Saturday night January 2, the 85th running of the St. Petersburg Inaugural stakes will take place as part of the track’s birthday celebration. Derby Lane opened the doors on January 2, 1925 and continues the tradition this Saturday night.

Below is the Inaugural qualifying races for Wednesday night December 30. The first four finishers in each of the two heats will become the elite eight in Saturday’s race. The races below are in post position order.

Wednesday Night December 30
Race 6 – 85th Inaugural Qualifier

1-Dewey Millions, Alderson
2-Lamorge Aces Up, Magic City – Mighty Fine
3- Sovereign Lord, D’Arcy
4-Backwood Dude, Campbell Greyhound Racing
5-Starz Blackhawk, Patriot
6-Ultimate Notice, Abernathy
7-Aerial Battle, Capabal
8-Kiowa El Cougar, Filipelli & O’Donnell

Wednesday Night December 30
Race 10 – 85th Inaugural Qualifier

1-Upcomin Design, Charter
2-Flying Vault, McAllister
3-Hays Casanova, Nova
4-TK Rapala, La Rosa Enterprises
5-Cold Fusion, Lester Raines
6-Rooftop Slim To, Cal Holland
7-Gretchen Oswalt, Floyd & Porter
8-WW’s Revamped, Wayne Ward

 

 

We’re counting down to the 2010 season kickoff on January 2 that will also be our 85th Birthday celebration. The track is the oldest continuously operating Greyhound Racetrack in the world. Family owned since 1925, a fourth generation of family members will see history in the making on January 2. Fans attending will enjoy the 85th celebration with many 85-cent specials that will be available during both the matinee and evening performances on January 2. Derby Lane programs, Hot dogs, Soda, and Popcorn will be .85 each. AND at night we’re giving away $5,000 as part of our 85th Inaugural celebrations. 10 fans will take home $500 each in drawings after races 1 thru 10. Admission and general parking is free everyday. Valet parking available and complimentary valet parking for handicapped.

Saturday night we’re showcasing eight top dogs that will earn their post in the 85th Inaugural stakes after Wednesday night’s qualifying heats. Sixteen greyhounds will compete Wed. night January 30. The top four from each race will become the elite eight competing in the world’s longest running greyhound stakes on Jan. 2, 2010. The drawing for the qualifying rounds will be held Monday night December 28 and will be posted right here on my news Monday night following the draw.

 

 

Happy Holidays. I would like to personally thank my readers for all their support. Remember that there is no live racing Dec. 24 or 25. The greyhounds return Dec. 26. Derby Lane will be celebrating 85 years on January 2. I look forward to another greyt year of championship racing. Our next big race is the 85th annual Inaugural. 16 will be entered in two qualifiers on Wed. night Jan 30. First 4 from each heat will become this year's entries in the Jan. 2 stakes- the longest running greyhound stakes race in the world. ALSO, we will be giving away $5,000 cash on January 2, too. We will have 10 winners in drawings held after the first 10 races of the night. Each of the 10 will win $500 each. Must be present to win and 18 years of age to enter.

Vera Filipelli
Director Media Relations

 

 

Nicolas from France wins the 660-yard T-shirt and ornament challenge
TMC's Remedy eyes Flashy Sir and All America awards

Derby Lane fans from around the world entered the contest at Vera’s News by selecting the correct order of finish in the December 19 Distance Challenge. TMC’s Remedy of the Filipelli & O’Donnell kennel gave a head-turning performance in race ten that will be watched over and over again in the replay archives. His phenomenal finish that scored two major money stakes this year gives him a nod as a top candidate for the Flashy Sir award for the top distance athlete in the nation. He will be among the top dogs from track's across the country nominated for the award. Remedy’s 660-yard record is arguably the best in the nation and Nicolas Bruyas from France put Remedy at the top of his list. Although Nicolas did not select all eight of the finalists in the correct order, he did have four of them in the correct order of their finish.

Raines top scoring female Kelsos Isabella was the contest favorite followed by Kiowa AK Richpie, TMC’s Remedy, Kiowa Knockout and Backwood Nan. No one put the other candidates at the top of their picks which might have caused a stir if Deco Caraways would have upset the field with a first win over the 660-yard course. Caraways was the longshot that benefited early and gave a winning effort to take second. The complete order of finish was TMC’s Remedy (6), Deco Caraways (4), Kiowa AK Richpie (1), Kiowa Knockout (5), Starz Borntofly (7), Backwood Nan (8), WW’s Deathvalley (3) and Kelsos Isabella (2). Nocolas’ order of finish was 6-8-1-2-7-4-3-5.

Thank you again for reading Vera’s News and supporting the greyhounds. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

 

 

TMC's Remedy wins final stakes of the decade

WHAT A RACE! TMC's Remedy overcame trouble and closed from way back to win the final stakes of the decade. This will be a race watched over and over. "I couldn't believe he came from so far back," said trainer John Filipelli. "He is a class animal and one of the best distance hounds I have handled over the years."  Remedy's victory moves him into the limelight for a Flashy Sir nod, as the male racked up a second major distance stakes. He won the $100,000 stakes in April. He made the cut at Mardi Gras in the final of the Hollywoodian that was won by his kennelmate. Back in St. Petersburg Remedy made the cut for anotyher stakes but was scratched due to a minor injury after St. Pete Derby semifinal. He returned to racing after his layoff and appears to be better than ever after his phenomenal finish. The son of Lonesome Cry and TMC's Josalynn closed out the year winning the $75,000 660-Yard Challenge. Congratulations to the Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel and to Eddie Mc Donald from TX that owns TMC's Remedy.
In the winner's circle presenting the winning trophy is Derby Lane President Vey Weaver. John Filipelli trainer and co-owner, kennel assistants Davina Malpass, P
aul giguere and David Peck. Leadout is Rey Rojas with winner TMC's Remedy.

 

 

McAllister seeks third consecutive 660-Yard $75,000 stakes win Saturday night
Five Fans will win $500 each in drawings after races 2,4,6,8 & 10 Saturday night
Pick the order of finish in the stakes to win a T'shirt and Christmas ornament
Play Derby Lane Saturday Night Fantasy League for extra prizes this week

Third Annual 660-Yard $75,000 Challenge
Saturday Night December 19
Race 10 - In post position order
1-Kiowa AK Richpie, Patriot kennel
2-Kelsos Isabella, Lester Raines
3-WW's Deathvalley, Wayne Ward

4-Deco Caraways, D'Arcy
5-Kiowa Knockout, McAllister
6-TMC's Remedy, Filipelli & O'Donnell
7-Starz Borntofly, D'Arcy
8-Backwood Nan, Campbell

 

660 Derby Lane T-Shirt and Christmas Ornament contest rules. Shirt and ornament photo right.
The posts have been drawn (above) for Saturday December 19th. Enter your selections for a shot at the Derby Lane T-shirt and Christmas ornament. Here's how! Submit one entry per person via email naming the greyhounds in the order 1 thru 8 that you feel will be the order of finish of the stakes race final, race 10 Saturday night December 19. In addition, please supply a projected winning time and a projected winning margin to establish tie breakers. For example. Stakes race 1-name of dog, 2-name of dog etc..  Winning time 37.00 and Winning margin 5 lengths as examples. If more than one person selects the correct order of finish then the closest winning time will be used. If there is a tie with the time then the winning margin will be used. Send all emails including MAILING ADDRESS to vera@derbylane.com  by 5:00PM, EST Dec. 19. Winner will be announced Sunday December 20. Thank you for your support, enjoy the race and have a very happy holiday.

AND, for a second chance at another T'Shirt and other goodies play in the Derby Lane Saturday Night Fantasy Greyhound League. Select the winning greyhound in each of the 15 races. Points are allocated if your selection finishes first through fourth place. Points are 16, 10, 8 and 6. The person with the most points wins a prize from KCImagemakers, who sponsor the weekly game. This week five Derby Lane off-track fans playing in the fantasy game will win a Derby Lane T-shirt. And the last place finisher will get a consolation T-shirt for their effort. Enter your picks by 7:00 PM, EST at http://www.kcimagemakers.com/greyhound.html

McAllister seeks third consecutive stakes win Saturday night
The third annual 660 Challenge will be featured in race ten Saturday night. The race is the final stakes of the decade. The McAllister kennel has dominated this stake since 2007 and is seeking a third winner's circle photo tonight. National award winner Flyin Bridgeport won the stakes in 2007 followed by a 2008 win with Flying Mancini, also nationally recognized. Kiowa Knockout hopes to give McAllister the victory that would also put her in the national spotlight. Last February Knockout invaded the Naples track to win the $30,000 Naples Classic (660-yard)as a Derby Lane invader. She returned home and immediately entered the Distance Classic and made it to the semifinals.

Knockout traveled further south an entered the Hollywoodian at Mardi Gras. She made it to the semifinals there, too. Kiowa Knockout was also a finalist in the June Consolation Derby. Despite her fall in semifinals this past Wednesday, Kiowa Knockout made the cut with 30 points. Vince Berland owns Knockout and the first two 660-Yard Challenge champions. Knockout needs to rocket to the front far ahead of the strong closers to guarantee a victory.

Topping the leader board is Kelsos Isabella that scored the top 54 points. She competes for the Lester Raines kennel that won last month's Fall Juvenile stakes. Isabella was undefeated in the series until Wednesday night's semifinal round where she was nearly knocked down. Isabella is the youngest female in the field and has shown great improvement in the series. She has the fewest career starts, but is a smart and savvy competitor. She will be a fan favorite and is the strongest female closer in the group. If she gets out close to the leaders, she could put her competitors away early.

TMC's Remedy won the $100,000 Distance Classic and is the only returning finalist in this year's race. Last year the male finished third. A win tonight would earn him a nod as a Flashy Sir candidate. Remedy's 660-yard record is arguably the best in the nation. Remedy also competed in the Hollywoodian where he made it all the way to the finals this year. He returned to Derby Lane and collected four consecutive wins in his return races. Remedy was a finalist in the June Consolation stakes, but was pulled after a minor injury in semifinals. He returned to prep for this stakes and clocked the series fastest 37.37 on December 12. The male performs best when he stalks the leaders and picks them off one-by-one. He ranked fourth high collecting 38 points for Filipelli & O'Donnell kennel.

WW's Deathvalley is another stakes winner seeking a second title that would also put her in the national spotlight. Deathvalley won the St. Petersburg Derby in June. She competed in two rounds of last year's 660 before being cut. WW’s Deathvalley earned a post in the April $100,000 final, but trouble forced her to finish seventh. The female followed other "derby dogs" to Mardi Gras where she was also a semifinalist. In July Deathvalley left briefly for a three-round stakes stint in IA. Deathvalley was near the bottom in this series, but rewrote her entry into tonight's race after a must win performance Wednesday leaving trouble behind. She finished fifth high in the series with 34 points and races for the Wayne Ward kennel that moved into the top spot in the kennel standings last week.

Campbell kennel's Backwood Nan recorded 44 points to rank her second in the series. The 60-pound powerhouse has jockeyed the 550 and 660-yard distances this year chasing stakes money. Nan was a finalist in the $100,000 Distance Classic over the 660 distance before moving to the shorter 550-yard course for the Gold Trophy Juvenile. She was the runner-up in the stakes race final. Two starts later she entered the T. L. Weaver stakes, but was eliminated after being forced back at the break. Nan moved back to the 660 course for the St. Pete Derby and collected a fourth place finish to WW's Deathvalley. Nan needs to get to the front quickly for a shot at the title against her highly competitive rivals.

Kiowa AK Richpie has only had eight career starts over the 660-yard course. This is his second stakes final. In October the male scored the highest points in the Fall Sprint (550) stakes. He was blocked throughout and finished sixth. Richpie collected 30 points for Patriot after Wednesday's semifinal saw the male denied the rail twice before colliding with Kiowa Knockout. Luck was with Richpie, as a scratch in the race allowed him to collect one point that earned his entry.

D'Arcy kennel is one of five kennels returning to this year's final along with Raines, Filipelli & O’Donnell, McAllister and Campbell. D’Arcy has two shots at the victory with semifinal winner Starz Borntofly-a recent import from Twin Rivers, formally the Lincoln Park in RI. Borntofly was an upset winner Wednesday to score a first set of top points ranking him third with 42 points. Borntofly broke second and quickly moved to the front where he kept the field at bay for a handy win in the first semifinal heat. Borntofly raced the 550 and 670-yard courses at Lincoln and competed in a stakes race in RI, too. His upset proved he should not be discounted.

Deco Caraways, a second D'Arcy entry, debuted in March after acing all of her 550-yard schoolers. She has yet to win a 660-yard start. She has six money finishes of her eight starts at this distance. She could be the surprise of the night. Caraways earned 32 points in the series ranking her sixth in tonight's field.

 

 

 

Upsets in semfinal of Distance Challenge
Aerial Battle sets new season’s best 550
660 Derby Lane T-Shirt and Christmas Ornament contest

(Details Below)

Semifinals were held at Derby Lane for the last stakes race of the year Wednesday night with surprise results. The first surprise came before the races began when Djays Octane was scratched from the semifinal round. Octane had turned in two low point finishes and tied for the 14th spot out of the 16 semifinalists. He would have been highly pressured for a win against the top scoring Kelsos Isabella and TMC’s Remedy.

The first heat saw D’Arcy’s Starz BorntoFly who was ranked sixth take quick control to win handily over Backwood Nan the betting favorite. Borntofly paid $7.00 to win followed by Backwood Nan who advanced to the final. WW’s Revamped and Greta’s Cryhondo finished third and fourth, but did not advance. Fifth through eighth was Its Quillan, Hi Noon Harmony, Kiowa Solomon and Far Site Quicker which were all eliminated.

Fans made the undefeated Kelsos Isabella the betting favorite in the seven-dog heat. When the box opened it was D’Arcy’s Deco Caraways that jumped to the lead getting out of the way of the early jam that saw Remedy, Richpie and RJ’s Playgirl jam in the first turn. As the greyhounds recovered and stormed down the backstretch more trouble followed. Kiowa Knockout and Kiowa AK Richpie collided and fell. Remedy was closing and nearly fell while avoiding the spills. WW’s Deathvalley (Ward) left the trouble behind to score the much needed win to move to the final.

The payouts were huge. Deathvalley paid $39.20, $21.40 and $7.80. Deco Caraways ran second and paid $44.80 to place and $11.60 to show. RJ’s Playgirl ran third and paid $10.20 for show. The Perfecta paid $565.80 and the superfecta that included Kelsos Isabella paid $8,092.70. TMC’s Remedy finished 20 lengths back followed by Richpie and Knockout that ooped. All three advanced to the final.

The post draw for the final will be held Thursday night. Should a greyhound be pulled from the final Cal Holland’s RJ’s Playgirl would be the substitute. The posts will be listed at Vera’s News at approximately 7:00 PM, EST. Thursday night Dec. 17.

Below are the eight high point finalists.
Kelsos Isabella 54, Lester Raines
Backwood Nan 44, Campbell
Starz Borntofly 42, D’Arcy

TMC’s Remedy 38, Filipelli & O’Donnell
WW’s Deathvalley 34, Wayne Ward
Deco Caraways 32, D’Arcy
Kiowa AK Richpie 30, Patriot
Kiowa Knockout 30, McAllister

Other news:Capabal kennel’s Aerial Battle (Dodgem By Design x Abita Cruzin) erased the season’s best 550-yard time of 30.23 previously held by Raines kennel’s Designer Style Wednesday matinee Dec. 16. Battle broke second and took full charge of the race stopping the clock at 30.17 and winning three in a row. His victory was a tenth consecutive money finish of which nine of them were from grade A races.

 

Field set for 660-Yard Challenge

Semifinals were held at Derby Lane for the last stakes race of the year. Eight greyhounds emerged after the two semifinal heats were won. Here are the eight finalists in point order.

Kelsos Isabella 54, Lester Raines
Backwood Nan 44, Campbell
Starz Borntofly 42, D’Arcy
 TMC’s Remedy 38, Filipelli & O’Donnell
WW’s Deathvalley 34, Wayne Ward
Deco Caraways 32, D’Arcy
Kiowa AK Richpie 30, Patriot
Kiowa Knockout 30, McAllister

If a greyhound is pulled before the post draw Cal Holland's RJ's Playgirl (28) would go in.

Posts for the stakes race will be drawn Thursday night and posted here on Vera’s News along with details to enter the 660-yard challenge for a Derby Lane T-shirt and Christmas ornament.

 

 

Breaking News Monday night 7:30 PM        
Race 10 Wednesday night is a must-see race
Semifinals for the 660-yard challenge Wednesday night
Enter Vera's 660-Challenge contest to win a Derby Lane T-shirt and Derby Lane Christmas ornament.
Rules posted
on Vera's News Thursday night

The races and posts for the final qualifying round for Saturday’s $75,000 final were drawn with the majority of the top point getters vying for that final set in race 10 Wednesday night. The undefeated Kelsos Isabella will match strides with #2 ranked TMC’s Remedy and #4 ranked Kiowa Knockout among the leading runners. Before they take the stage, the first semifinal heat will be held in race six. Backwood Nan has 34 points and ranks third high. She is matched with Starz Borntofly that is ranked 6th.

Djays Octane who was sent to Derby Lane with hopes of dominating the series, has turned in two bad runs and drew in with the top dogs. He has to acquire top points to advance to the final or he will be eliminated in the tenth race. Backwood Nan is sitting pretty with 34 points and won’t be under pressure to perform in the sixth, but the rest of the field will be.

Below are Wednesday night’s semifinal races in post position order.
Semifinal 660-Yard Challenge
Race 6 Wednesday night December 16

1-Kiowa Solomon (22) Filipelli & O’Donnell

2-WW’s Revamped (18) Wayne Ward
3-Greta’s Cryhondo (19) Capabal
4-Backwood Nan (34) Campbell Greyhound Racing
5-Far Site Quicker (15) Lester Raines
6-Starz Borntofly (26) D’Arcy
7-Its Quillan (11) Wayne Ward
8-Hi Noon Harmony (19) Nova

Semifinal 660-Yard Challenge
Race 10 Wednesday night December 16

1-Deco Caraways (22) D’Arcy
2-Kelsos Isabella (48) Lester Raines
3-WW’s Deathvalley (18) Wayne Ward
4-TMC’s Remedy (35) Filipelli & O’Donnell
5-RJ’s Playgirl (20) Cal Holland
6-Kiowa AK Richpie (28) Patriot
7-Kiowa Knockout (29) McAllister
8-Djays Octane (18) Charter

Enter the 660-yard challenge contest posted on Vera’s News beginning Thursday night December 17 to win a Derby Lane T-Shirt and Derby Lane Christmas Ornament. Rules will be posted along with the posts for Saturday’s stakes race final on Thursday.

 

 

 

News updated Dec. 13

Round three of the $75,000 stakes in the books
Kelsos Isabella remains undefeated

Saturday night’s third round saw Lester Raines kennel’s Kelsos Isabella continue to dominate the series and score a third set of win points to remain undefeated. Isabella was not the only Raines star to draw attention. Cold Fusion continued his winning spree over the 550-yard course for Raines. He won the photo finish against Lamorge Aces Up by a nose to record four in a row. The Tri Super Jackpot paid over $14,000 making someone’s holiday brighter.

In the stakes qualifiers Kelsos Isabella really showed what she was made of when she came from far back to score the victory in race six. Her win earned her an automatic post in next week’s stakes race final. She only has to circle the field in the semifinals this upcoming Wednesday night.

Kiowa Knockout finished second to Isabella and has bounced back nicely in the series. She kicked off the series with a fifth place, but won round two and gave a winning effort for second in round three. RJ’s Playgirl and Starz Borntofly continued their consistent money finishes. Fifth through eighth was Greta’s Cryhondo, Kiowa Solomon, Its Quillan and WW’s Deathvalley.

The tenth race saw Hi Noon Harmony take an early lead with Kiowa AK Richpie on her heels. Richpie was in a comfortable lead but could not match the charging TMC’s Remedy who scored a second set of win points that moved him into second place in the series. His victory also halted the win streak of Backwood Nan. Richpie finished second followed by Hi Noon Harmony and Deco Caraways to complete the superfecta. Djays Octane who entered the series as a favorite faded in the stretch and has now put himself in jeopardy of being eliminated in the semifinal on Wednesday. Fifth through eighth was Far Site Quicker, Backwood Nan, Djays Octane and WW’s Revamped.  

The majority of players in the Saturday night Fantasy League sponsored by Kcimagemakers picked Kelsos Isabella and TMC's Remedy. Thank you again everyone that played and followed along on Twitter.

Below are the point totals for the semifinalists that will compete Wednesday night. The draw will be held Monday night and posted here on Vera’s News at approximately 7:15 PM, EST.
Kelsos Isabella (48) Lester Raines
TMC’s Remedy (35) Filipelli & O’Donnell
Backwood Nan (34) Campbell
Kiowa Knockout (29) McAllister
Kiowa AK Richpie (28) Patriot
Starz Borntofly (26) D’Arcy
Kiowa Solomon (22) Filipelli & O’Donnell
Deco Caraways (22) D’Arcy
RJ’s Playgirl (20) Cal Holland
Greta’s Cryhondo (19) Capabal
Hi Noon Harmony (19) Nova
WW’s Revamped (18) Wayne Ward
Djays Octane (18) Charter
WW's Deathvalley (18) Ward
Far Site Quicker (15) Lester Raines
Its Quillan (11) Wayne Ward

 

 

 

Breaking News Thursday night December 10 at 7:25 PM, EST.

Races and posts have been assigned for the third round of the 660 Challenge. Shortly before the draw Filipelli & O’Donnell’s Kiowa Louis who finished fourth in round two, was taken out of the race with a minor injury. Ward kennel’s Its Quillan was reentered as the sub and gets back in the game giving Ward three semifinalists. Below is the third round draw with current point totals.

Saturday night December 12
Race 6 Round three 660-yd. Challenge

1-Kiowa Knockout (19) McAllister
2-Kiowa Soloman (20) Filipelli & O’Donnell
3-Its Quillan (10) Ward
4-RJ’s Playgirl (12) Cal Holland
5-Starz Borntofly (20) D’Arcy
6-WW’s Deathvalley (18) Ward
7-Kelsos Isabella (32), Raines
8-Greta’s Cryhondo (16) Capabal

Saturday night December 12
Race 10 Round three 660-yd. Challenge

1-Deco Caraways (16) D’Arcy
2-Kiowa AK Richpie (18) Patriot
3-Hi Noon Harmony (11) Nova
4-Djays Octane (16) Charter
5-Backwood Nan (32) Campbell
6-WW’s Revamped (18) Ward
7-Far Site Quicker (12) Raines
8-TMC’s Remedy (19) Filpelli & O’Donnell

 

Breaking news Wednesday night 10:15 pm

Girls lead the 660-yard Challenge

Backwood Nan and Kelsos Isabella won back to back qualifiers and are tied in the top spot heading into round three this Saturday night. Distance Classic champion TMC’s Remedy bounced back after a fifth place finish in round one to move him into the top eight. Remedy’s time of 37.50 was the fastest distance time of the night. Kiowa Knockout also bounced back after a fifth place finish in round one to win her heat. The races and post positions for the next rounds will be drawn Thursday night and posted right here for an early sneak peek at approximately 7:30 PM.

Backwood Nan, 32 points, Campbell
Kelsos Isabella, 32 points, Lester Raines
Kiowa Solomon, 20 points, Filipelli & O’Donnell
Starz Borntofly, 20 points, D’Arcy
Kiowa Knockout, 19 points, McAllister
TMC’s Remedy, 19 points, Filipelli & O’Donnell
WW’s Revamped, 18 points, Wayne Ward
Kiowa AK Rickpie, 18 points, Patriot
WW’s Deathvalley, 18 points, Wayne Ward
Djays Octane, 17 points, Charter
Greta’s Cryhondo, 16 points, Capabal
Deco Caraways, 16 points, D’Arcy
RJ’s Playgirl, 12 points, Cal Holland
Kiowa Louis, 12 points, Filipelli & O’Donnell
Far Site Quicker, 12 points, Lester Raines
Hi Noon Harmony, 11 points, Nova

Its Quillan, 10 points, Wayne Ward is the sub should any of the top sixteen be pulled.

 

 

 

 

Breaking news Monday night December 7

Races have been drawn and posts assigned for Wednesday nights round two of the 660-yard challenge-the final stakes of the year. Lester Raines Career Goals and Capabal kennel’s Greta’s Shanghai were pulled due to injury forcing two of the races to be seven-dog fields. Only sixteen of the entries will advance from Wednesday’s rounds to compete in two semifinals leading to the December 19 final.

Odd Inspector who scored no points in the first could benefit from the seven-dog field in race four. The box-breaking male was unable to use his blazing speed talent last start, but could get out from the seven post. TMC’s Remedy also encountered trouble in round one and needs a good performance to advance. Kiowa AK Richpie posted a second in round one and is posted favorably in the one box. RJ’s Playgirl who ran fourth despite trouble is also expected to advance.

Djays Octane, who needs no benefit, drew in the second seven-dog field in race six. The leading favorite in the stakes drew the six box and is expected to score the top points. Three of the seven, Kiowa Knockout, WW’s Deathvalley and Happy Amber competed against Octane in round one.

The eighth race features round one winners Backwood Nan and WW’s Revamped. The two were upset winners in their heats. The two will be quiniela favorites. Kelsos Hathaway set the pace in his last start. His eight post is the first time he has been outside of the six box in ten starts.

Kelsos Isabella scored the top points to win round one from post seven. Wednesday night the female will wear the red blanket as she seeks two in a row. Starz Borntofly drew the inside two. He has not drawn inside in over a month. The greyhounds will earn points in the races and the top sixteen will advance to Saturday’s round three. Points allocated by the following formula. Win = 16, 2nd = 10, 3rd = 8, 4th = 6, 5th = 3, 6th = 2, 7th = 1 and 8th = zero.

Race 4/Round #2 Wednesday night Dec. 9
1-Kiowa AK Richpie, Patriot (10 points)
2-WW Dignified, Ward (1 point)
3-Magic Hickory, McAllister (0 points)
4-TMC’s Remedy, Filipelli & O’Donnell (3 points)
5-Far Site Quicker, Raines (2 points)
6-RJ’s Playgirl, Cal Holland (6 points)
7-Odd Inspector, Charter (0 points)
8-THIS IS A 7-DOG FIELD

Race 6/Round #2 Wednesday night Dec. 9
1-Greta’s Cryhondo, Capabal (8 points)
2-Kiowa Louis, Filipelli & O’Donnell (6 points)
3-WW’s Deathvalley, Ward (8 points)
4-Happy Amber, Cal Holland (1 point)
5-Kiowa Knockout, McAllister (3 points)
6-Djays Octane, Charter (16 points)
7-M’s Morgan, Floyd & Porter (1 point)
8-THIS IS A SEVEN DOG FIELD

Race 8/Round #2 Wednesday night Dec. 9
1-Magic Patti, McAllister (6 points)
2-Backwood Nan, Campbell (16 points)
3-Deco Caraways, D’Arcy (8 points)
4-Kiowa Solomon, Filipelli & O’Donnell (10 points)
5-Hi Noon Hypnotic, Nova (8 points)
6-Kiowa Doriane, Patriot (1 point)
7-Ww’s Revamped, Ward (16 points)
8-Kelsos Hathaway, Raines (3 points)

Race 10/Round #2 Wednesday night Dec. 9
1-Kelsos Isabella, Raines (16 points)
2-Starz Borntofly, D’Arcy (10 points)
3-Backwood Dude, Campbell (0 points)
4-Hi Noon Harmony, Nova (10 points)
5-RX Cowboy, Magic City-Mighty Fine (6 points)
6-Its Quillan, Ward (2 points)
7-TMC’s Lingo, Filipelli & O’Donnell (0 points)
8-Power Design, Patriot (2 points)

First round of the 660-yard challenge in the books
Round #2 draw tonight, sneak peek tonight after draw

Backwood Nan pulled off an upset over the overwhelming favorite Odd Inspector in race four. The last time the two faced off Nan beat the male and repeated in round one. Inspector was shutoff early and couldn’t use his early speed talent. Nan picked off last year’s Fall Juvenile champ Kelsos Hathaway to score the first set of winning points and headed the hefty superfecta payout of $14,397. Backwood Nan paid $14.80, $6.00 and $5.00. Second through eighth place was Kiowa Solomon, Deco Caraways, Magic Patti, Kelsos Hathaway, Power Design, WW Dignified and Odd Inspector.

Djays Octane easily won his heat with his signature style of picking off the leaders and pulling away for a victory. Kiowa Knockout and WW’s Deathvalley were the early leaders but were no match for Octane who took charge in the backstretch. Octane paid $3.60, $2.40 and $2.10. Kiowa AK Richpie, WW’s Deathvalley, Kiowa Louis, Kiowa Knockout, Far Site Quicker, Happy Amber and Backwood Dude were second through eighth.

The third heat saw the betting favorite TMC’s Remedy cut off at the break allowing for a quick start by Hi Noon Harmony. Kelsos Isabella turned on her mighty strides and took charge in the frontstretch and never looked back to score top points. Harmony gave a winning effort and scored second place points. Greta’s Cryhondo, Rj’s Playgirl, TMC’s Remedy, Its Quillan, Kiowa Doriane and Magic Hickory completed the field.

The final race of the night saw WW’s Revamped upset the favorite Career Goals and take top points. Starz Borntofly ran second followed by Hi Noon Hypnotic, RX Cowboy, Greta’s Shanghai, Career Goals, M’s Morgan and TMC’s Lingo.

Monday night the second round will be drawn and a sneak peek will be posted here on Vera’s News following the draw.

 

$75,000 Distance Challenge kicks off Saturdaywedding

The first round of the final stakes race of the year will kick off Saturday night December 5 featuring Derby Lane’s top athletes. Six stakes race winners along with several other stakes race finalists throughout the year will have their eye on the prize. The leading favorites are $100,000 Distance Classic champion TMC’s Remedy (Lonesome Cry x TMC’s Josalynn) and $20,000 Razorback winner Djays Octane (Flying Penske x One More Secret) from Southland. The two have been facing off for weeks and jockeying victories.

Don’t forget to enter your picks for the weekly Saturday night Derby Lane Fantasy League once the Sat. entries are on the site. Enter your picks at
http://www.kcimagemakers.com/greyhound.html

The other stakes champs include McAllister’s Naples Distance champion Kiowa Knockout (Flying Penske x Flying Sweet Amy). Wayne Ward’s WW’s Deathvalley (Kiowa Sweet Trey x WW Casey) that won the St. Pete Derby in June, NOS XXII champion Hi Noon Hypnotic (Flying Penske x Hi Noon Catwoman) from the Nova kennel and the Fall Juvenile winner Career Goals (Dodgem By Design x Sheza Career Gal) from Lester Raines making his distance stakes debut.

Other notable hounds who have been stakes finalists this year include; It’s Quillan (Ward), M’s Morgan (Floyd & Porter), Kiowa AK Richpie (Patriot), Kelsos Isabella (Raines), Backwood Nan (Campbell) Thirty-two athletes will begin the first of four qualifying rounds. They will accumulate points based on finishes during the first two rounds and the field will be sliced in half after round two December 9.

The first round qualifiers are in races 4,6,8 and 10 Saturday night. Although Odd Inspector is seeking four in a row over the 660-yard course, the program handicapper has selected Power Design from post one as his top pick. Inspector has the box speed to beat the field. Backwood Nan can also beat the box as well as WW Dignified that could give Inspector a run for the money.

Djays Octane is the program favorite in race six over stakes champs Kiowa Knockout and WW’s Deathvalley. Octane gave an exceptional performance in his last start to finish fourth after being knocked back to last. Kiowa Knockout could be a major threat if she gets out early and Deathvalley can close if she stays close to the leaders. Kiowa AK Richpie has won over the longer distance from the eight post before.

TMC’s Remedy scored the win over Octane on Wednesday and is the program favorite in race eighth. He could be tested in a battle of the sexes. Kelsos Isabella has shown she is always a threat and has the ability to make up a ton of ground late in the game. Its Quillan has box speed and is rarely out of the superfecta.

The final first round heat wraps up in race ten where any of the eight could score the points. Career Goals won his last three starts over the 550 course. His last distance race was September 16. Goals took the lead after the break, but was overtaken at the wire to finish fourth by two lengths, respectively. Hi Noon Hypnotic, who has won a stakes before, could use his experience to score the points. M’s Morgan, the runner-up in the St. Pete Derby could also score points with a repeat box to wire win. Greta’s Shanghai has moved back to the longer course for this series and will have no trouble handling the longer distance and might surprise.

 

Sneak peek for round one of the $75,000 Distance Challenge

The first round of the 660-yard challenge field has been drawn and posts assigned.

$75,000 Round #1 Qualifier
Race 4, Saturday night December 5
1-Power Design, Patriot
2-Kelsos Hathaway, Raines
3-Deco Caraways, D’Arcy
4-Odd Inspector, Charter
5-Kiowa Solomon, Filipelli & O’Donnell
6-Ww Dignified, Wayne Ward
7-Magic Patti, McAllister
8-Backwood Nan, Campbell Greyhound

$75,000 Round #1 Qualifier
Race 6, Saturday night December 5
1-Kiowa Knockout, McAllister
2-Far Site Quicker, Raines
3-Happy Amber, Cal Holland
4-Kiowa Louis, Filipelli & O’Donnell
5-Ww’s Deathvalley, Wayne Ward
6-Backwood Dude, Campbell Greyhound
7-Djays Octane, Charter
8-Kiowa AK Richpie, Patriot

$75,000 Round #1 Qualifier
Race 8, Saturday night December 5
1-RJ’s Playgirl, Cal Holland
2-Greta’s Cryhondo, Capabal
3-Hi Noon Harmony, Nova
4-Kiowa Doriane, Patriot
5-TMC’s Remedy, Filipelli & O’Donnell
6-Magic Hickory, McAllister
7-Kelsos Isabella, Raines
8-Tts Quillan, Wayne Ward

$75,000 Round #1 Qualifier
Race 10, Saturday night December 5
1-TMC’s Lingo, Filipelli & O’Donnell
2-M’s Morgan, Floyd & Porter
3-Career Goals, Raines
4-Greta’s Shanghai, Capabal
5-WW’s Revamped, Wayne Ward
6-Hi Noon Hypnotic, Nova
7-RX Cowboy, Magic City – Mighty Fine
8-Starz Borntofly, D’Arcy

 

First round of $75,000 Distance Challenge sneak peek will be posted right here on Vera’s News tonight following the draw at approximately 7:30 PM, EST.

Last night fans saw another rematch between Distance Classic champ TMC’s Remedy and Southland stakes winner Djays Octane. Remedy charged to the front heading into the escape turn for an easy win while Djays Octane made an incredible recovery after being knocked back to last at the break. The strong male finished fourth and will be a leading favorite in the first round Saturday night December 5.

Other notable entries include Fall Juvenile champion Career Goals, Naples Distance champion Kiowa Knockout, St. Pete Derby winner WW’s Deathvalley and NOS XXII champion Hi Noon Hypnotic.