Vera's News

By Vera Rasnake

Red Oak moves five in front in the standings
Derby Lane Memorial Day Cash Giveaway

Don’t forget to play the Fantasy Game this Saturday night. It’s the four year anniversary and the top prize is Dinner for 4 in our famous Derby Club. Good Luck. Click on the link for details
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Red Oak Racing is burning bright in the top spot of the kennel standings at Derby Lane. The new standings through May 23 show the kennel is five in front of the defending Patriot kennel. The kennel is managed and trained by the 20-year old Alex Hall that has made an indelible mark during his first year of running the Red Oak operation. The Patriot kennel has dominated the standings during the past two years. When Hall was given his first shot at running a kennel many felt he was too young for the position. Hall has since quieted his critics that are taking a second look at the youngster that has his athletes topping the chart. Photo is Alex Hall and fiance Amanda Cardinal and Distance Classic Champ SE's Home Owner. 

Hall is five wins in front with 301 less starts. He also boasts a 54% money record in 813 races from 1,499 starts. Red Oak and Patriot have been neck and neck for weeks and have been jockeying the top spot. Patriot has had 874 starters and has a 49% money record from 1,800 starts.  And that’s not all! The young Hall won the $20,000 Fall Juvenile with Flying Soriano. This year Hall scored an historic win in the $84,000 Distance Classic with SE’s Home Owner that became the first greyhound to sweep the series since Talentedmrripley’s Classic sweep in 2002. Hall manages the kennel with his finance Amanda Cardinal and Bill Bryant.  

Hall credits his father Victor Hall that handled many iconic Derby Lane athletes and his mother Jill Spicer who heads the new Xtrem kennel at Naples for his success. “My son really paid attention in the kennel when he was growing up and it paid off,” said Spicer. “Now his little boy Bradley, my grandson, is being raised around the greyhounds, too.”

The two kennels are bringing the added excitement as both Alex Hall for Red Oak and Cal Holland, Jr. for Patriot have expressed their desire to finish the season on top. While the two go head to head fans are sadly counting down the final days of the McAllister kennel. Kennel owners Malcolm and Barbara McAllister have made this their final season of racing. They are going to retire and travel. The pair have won over 20 stakes races during their tenure in St. Pete and even more over their years in the business. June 30 is the kennel’s final day.

Our Monday Memorial Day Matinee is the final Monday afternoon racing card of the season. Beginning in June the Monday racing shifts to the evening hours during the summer. During the Memorial Day performance there will be BBQ food specials and other food and drink specials throughout the facility including the Poker Room. Drawings for $250 cash will be held after the running of the first ten races. Fans must be present to win to collect the cash!

Art Vandelay paints picture perfect performance in Gold Trophy stakes
Congratulations OXBOW for your Preakness win
The May 18 Gold Trophy final saw a first stakes win this year for Hambleton kennel and trainer Doug Flint. Earlier in the day fans watched Thoroughbred racing's Oxbow upset Orb’s shot at a Triple Crown when Oxbow won the Preakness. Headlines read, “It’s a long shot, Oxbow hits bulls-eye”. It was a long shot repeat in the Greyhound world when Art Vandelay gave a picture perfect performance to capture the Gold Trophy Juvenile title. His backers were surprised the male was a long shot despite his 53% quiniela record and 72% career money statistics.

Art Vandelay is a 69-pound son of (Lonesome Cry and Voo Doo Von Bonz) and celebrates a second birthday this month. Vandelay's impressive victory was clocked over the 550-yard oval in 30.60, which is the fifth fastest time in the 74-year history of the Juvenile stakes. “When he got the front I didn’t think anyone would run him down,” said trainer Doug Flint. “That was a special win for him (Vandelay).”  Jim and Helen Hambleton that co-own the racer with Charter kennel watched their star pup’s peak performance via live streaming video.

The very first Gold Trophy was held over the 495-yard course that was clocked in 29.30 by Miss Down. The top five winning times over the 550-yard oval belong to Floyd & Porter’s Brady Thomas that holds the stakes record winning time of 29.98 recorded in 2006. The second fastest time of 30.37 was clocked last year by McAllister kennel’s 2012 champ Flyin Lone Wolf. In 2011 Derby Lane’s All-American Hi Noon Renegade from the Nova kennel recorded a 30.43-the third fastest in the stakes history. Another Derby Lane All-American Courageous Nicky clocked a 30.54 in 2001 and Art Vandelay’s 30.60 is the fifth fastest in the stakes 550-yard history.

It was no surprise that Jack’s Big Gun from Holland kennel was the bet favorite at even money. The male gunned down his rivals in three consecutive races and was seeking a fourth along with the stakes title. When the box opened it was Red Oak Racing’s #3 Flying Universe that led the field to the first turn, but Vandelay hugged the rail and passed Universe on his long winning drive to the finish line. There was bumping in the first turn, but the majority rebounded and were closing fast until another far turn jam allowed Vandelay to pull even further away for a secure victory. 

Vandelay paid $24.80, $5.40 and $5.20. Van Delay’s sire Lonesome Cry won the 2003 Puppy Preview at Derby Lane and was the track win leader that same year. The next stakes race at Derby Lane is the 17^th annual T. L. Weaver Memorial Challenge. “Vandelay will definitely be considered,” said Flint. “I have a lot of nice pups in the kennel to choose from.” Flint posed for one final shot with assistant trainer Derek Barsell and the champion Art Vandelay before walking the star back to the kennel. 

The remainder of the entries that finished second through eighth were: Citizen’s Arrest (D’Arcy), Kentucky Mark and Jack’s Big Gun-both from Cal Holland kennel, Rams Contango (Marsella), Flying Universe (Red Oak), PJ Fresno (Abernathy) and Kaias Chestnut (Floyd & Porter)

Cal Holland pair part of ALL MALE Gold Trophy stakes Saturday Night
Double stakes Saturday-Gates open at 10:00 AM for Preakness
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Cal Holland kennel has stacked the deck for the Saturday night’s May 18^th Gold Trophy Juvenile final. The kennel has two entries Jack's Big Gun and Kentucky Mark in the all-male field that will go "paw to paw" for this year's title in race 8. The last time a female crossed first in this stakes event was in 1996 when Ellen Ann won for Lester Raines kennel and continued her winning ways to finish the season as the win leader. The elite eight earned their posts after competing in four qualifying rounds and accumulating points for top finishes.

Cal Holland kennel's #8 Jack's Big Gun (Dragon Fire x Jack’s Jet) was the top performer in the series. He has been a straight shooter and is going for four in a row along with the stakes title. The male entered the series with the least amount of starts, nearly half those of his rivals. Big Gun scored 49 points that put him at the top of the leader board. The impressive male boasts an average series time of 30.41 and will smoke the field if he breaks on top. Big Gun's 81% money record is impressive, as is his 57% win from 21 career starts. Big Gun’s kennelmate #5 Kentucky Mark made the final without a win, but a consistent superfecta record earned him 32 points. Mark has a 66% money finish record and his racing style is the opposite of Gun. Kentucky Mark (Silver Jones x Kelsos Katrina) is usually slower from the box, but watch for the Mark late in the race.

The Floyd & Porter kennel entry is  #7 Kaias Chestnut (Kaias Sequoyah x Craigie So Lite).  Floyd won his first Gold Trophy in 2000 with Roman Follies. Six years later Floyd's Brady Thomas set a historic winning stakes time of 29.98-the fastest in the history of the Gold Trophy stakes. Brady's brother Legends Field was also a Gold Trophy finalist. was part of a phenomenal litter. Brady's brother Hometown Boy made history in 1997 by becoming the only Sprint Classic champ to sweep the entire series in that stake’s history. Brady’s mother was North America’s 2006 top producing Touche Baby. Kaias Chestnut's average time in the series is 30.82 and he boasts an 80% money record. His sire Kaias Sequoyah was a star sprinter during his tenure with the former LaRosa kennel. Kaias Chestnut acquired 36 points in the series to earn his slot. Chestnut's racing style is slow from the box with a late rush at the end. A win in the stakes would be a third this year for trainer Liz Dunnuck. 

D'Arcy kennel's #2 Citizen's Arrest is a 71-pounder that came alive in the first two rounds of the series and was the only repeat winner to move to semifinals. Citizen's Arrest has won 11 of his 43 career starts with a 70% money record. Arrest scored 46 points in the series and has competed over the longer 660-yard course. Citizen's Arrest (Surf Lorian x Kendra) is a slow starter and fans have come to enjoy his big late rush. He is powerful and his average time during the four-round series is 30.41. Citizen's Arrest is a fan favorite and is expected to be a betting favorite, too for trainer Catherine D’Arcy.

Two decades ago Abernathy kennel won the 1993 Gold Trophy with Husker Dawn-one of the few females to ever win a Gold Trophy title. The kennel hopes to be in the winner's circle with #1 PJ Fresno-an underdog in the series. Fresno (Djays Octane x Bikini Bar) drew the coveted #1 post and has a 47% money record. His fastest series time is 30.62. Although his stats might not be as high as others, Fresno scored 42 points in the series and ran impressively in the four-round qualifying heats. He is also a slow breaker that can't afford trouble. He will look for racing room for a late bid, but if he gets the front early, he is a tough one to run down. A win by Fresno will be a fashionable event for the lovely trainer Kayruth Abernathy that always "dresses to the nines" for stakes events.

Another underdog in the race is #6 Rams Contango (Kiowa Mon Manny x Rams Kit Malone) from the new Marsella kennel. Contango boasts a 63% money record and earned 42 points in the series. Rams Contango won two of the four rounds. His semifinal win by a neck over the race favorites earned him the points needed to catapult him into the stakes final for trainer John Farmer. Contango is another racer that does not show a fleet-footed breaking style. Contango won both his qualifiers by being close to the leaders. He cannot afford to be too far behind his tough rivals for an upset victory and stakes first for the new kennel. 

It could be a picturesque win for #4 Art Vandelay if the male gets out quick. Vandelay (Lonesome Cry x Voo Doo Von Bonz) scored 38 points in the series and boasts a 72% money record and a 53% quiniela record for trainer Doug Flint. He is expected to be a betting favorite for the Hambleton kennel. Of Vandelay's past 15 races he has only missed lighting the board in three of those starts. His sire Lonesome Cry won the 2003 Puppy Preview race and was the win leader for the meet.

Red Oak Racing's #3 Flying Universe just made the cut with 32 points. Not only is the pup young, his trainer Alex Hall is the youngest trainer in the compound. Universe is a fast breaker boasting a 71% money record. His average series time is 30.57. Watch for Universe (Dragon Fire x Flying Aeronault) to rocket to the front for a possible upset. Universe was also a semifinalist in the March Sprint Classic. His stakes experience could be a plus for Universe.  A stakes victory for Hall would be his second of the year.

Jack’s Big Gun heads Gold Trophy field for Saturday
The elite eight have been named for Saturday night’s $20,000 stakes. Cal Holland kennel’s Jack’s Big Gun earned top points when he scored a third consecutive win in the series to total 49 points for trainer Justin Holland. Jack was the least experienced of the field, but quickly became a fierce contender for owner Michael Cassidy. A big upset was seen in race ten when Marsella kennel’s Rams Contango scored the victory and earned a slot in the final for trainer John Farmer. Below are the eight finalists for Saturday’s race.
The posts will be drawn for the final Thursday night.
74^th annual Gold Trophy Juvenile Finalists for Saturday Night May 18
NOT IN POST POSITION ORDER
Jack’s Big Gun (Dragon Fire x Jack’s Jet) Cal Holland kennel, trainer Justin Holland-owner Michael Cassidy-49 points
Citizen’s Arrest (Surf Lorian x Kendra) D’Arcy kennel, trainer Catherine D’Arcy, owner Ryan Farms-46 points
PJ Fresno (Djays Octane x Bikini Bar) Abernathy kennel, trainer Kayruth Abernathy-owner V. J. Rangel or P. P. Bitterman-42 points
Rams Contango (Kiowa Mon Manny x Rams Kit Malone) Marsella Racing, trainer John Farmer, owner Johnny or Cheryl Pharrams-42 points
Art Vandelay (Lonesome Cry x Voo Doo Von Bonz) Hambleton Racing, trainer Doug Flint, owner J. Hambleton or Charter kennel-38 points
Kaias Chestnut (Kaias Sequoya x Craigie So Lite) Floyd & Porter kennel, trainer Liz Dunnuck-owner George Adler-36 points
Flying Universe (Dragon Fire x Flying Aeronaut) Red Oak Racing, trainer Alex Hall-owner Vince Berland-32 points
Kentucky Mark (Silver Jones x Kelsos Katrina) Cal Holland kennel, trainer Justin Holland-owner C. Don Godby-32 points
Should there be a withdraw before posts McAllister’s Flying Rosetta with 30 points would be the substitute.
Eliminated from the field was:
Flying Rosetta (Kiowa Sweet Trey x RCK Lady Nile) McAllister kennel, trainer Gary Buckmaster-owner Vince Berland-30 points
T’s Hank It (Rhythmless x Taps Lucky Brand) Patriot kennel, trainer Cal Holland, Jr.-owner V. Savill, T. Taplin, or B. Taplin-22 points
Kiowa Zafina (Kiowa Mon Manny x Kiowa Dashing) Pauline O’Donnell kennel, trainer John “Jay” Graham-owner Smith Greyhounds or J. E. O’Donnell-20 points
Lock It Up (Kelsos Fusileer x Jakia) Cal Holland kennel, trainer Justin Holland-owner C. Don Godby-20 points
Highshoe Jackson (Trent Lee x Hi Noon Hotcakes) Nova Kennel, trainer Justin Monaghan-owner Charles Haliburton, III-19 points

Kiowa Zamyra (Kiowa Mon Manny x Kiowa Dashing) Pauline O’Donnell kennel, trainer John “Jay” Graham-owner Smith Greyhounds or J. E. O’Donnell-16 points

T’s Huckleberry (Dodgem By Design x Hi Noon Hypnotic) Patriot kennel, trainer Cal Holland, Jr.-owner V. Savill, T. Taplin or B. Taplin-15 points

Kiowa Zed (Kiowa Mon Manny x Kiowa Dashing) Pauline O’Donnell kennel, trainer John “Jay” Graham-owner Smith Greyhounds or J. E. O’Donnell-14 points

Semifinal draw for Wednesday night has been drawn. The top eight will advnace to the Saturday final. Point allociation is as follows: Win - 16, 2nd - 10, 3rd = 8, 4th = 6, 5th = 3, 6th = 2, 7th = 1 and 8th = zero.

The top Citizen's Arrest avoided his high-scoring rivals that will contend for the points in race six that pits Jack's Big Gun, PJ Fresno, Flying Universe and Kaias Chestnut-all with 30 or more points together. The race will be an exciting prelude to the stakes final.

Citizen's Arrest sits atop the leader board with 40 points and has enough points for the final. He may not know it, but he has no pressure to perform against his rivals-many of which are in a must win situation. Even for some a win does not guarantee a post in the final. The draw has given this field a chance to score high points for possible advancement to the final.

Below are the official races IN POST POSITION ORDER
Gold Trophy Juvenile Semifinal final-Round #4
Race 6 Wednesday Night May 16-In Post Order
1-Flying Universe, Red Oak Racing-30 points
2-Jack's Big Gun, Cal Holland-33 points
3-Kiowa Zafina, O'Donnell-20 points
4-PJ Fresno, Abernathy-32 points
5-Flying Rosetta, McAllister-22 points
6-Kaias Chestnut, Floyd & Porter-30 points
7-T's Hank It, Patriot-19 points
8-Kiowa Zed, O'Donnell-13 points

Gold Trophy Juvenile Semifinal- Round #4
Race 10 Wednesday Night May 16-In Post Order
1-Citizen's Arrest, D'Arcy-40 points
2-T's Huckleberry, Patriot-13 points
3-Rams Contango, Marsella-26 points
4-Art Vandelay, Hambleton-28 points
5-Lock It Up, Cal Holland-17 points
6-Kiowa Zamyra, O'Donnell-15 points
7-Highshoe Jackson, Nova-19 points
8-Kentucky Mark, Cal Holland-24 points

Despite loss, Citizen's Arrest remains on top of leader board

Saturday night’s third round of the Gold Trophy Juvenile saw big movement in the leader board. Despite his snapped streak, D’Arcy kennel’s Citizen’s Arrest remains on top of the leader board with 40 points-seven in front of his nearest rival and little threat of not making the cut for the May 18 stakes final. 

The third round began in race six. Floyd & Porter kennel’s Kaias Chestnut (Kaias Sequoyah x Craigie So Lite) upset the field with a three-length victory and paid $15.60, $6.40 and $3.60. His victory moved the 76-pound male from 13^th place into a two-way tie for fourth place with 30-points for Wednesday’s semifinal round. Kentucky Mark (Cal Holland) that finished second and paid $11.00 to place moved up four notches to become a top eight semifinalist. The bet favorite was Red Oak Racing’s Flying Universe that finished third. Fourth through eighth were Flying Rosetta (McAllister), Highshoe Jackson (Nova), Kiowa Zafina and Kiowa Zamyra (O’Donnell) and T’s Huckleberry (Patriot). 

Fans waited with bated breath for the undefeated Citizen’s Arrest (Surf Lorian x Kendra) to seek the hat trick. Track announcer and program handicapper Jim Peake picked the loaded Jack’s Big Gun as his race favorite. Jack’s Big Gun (Dragon Fire x Jack’s Jet) came out firing as the 76-pound bet favorite took early control and won easily in 30.59, which is the fastest in the stakes series thus far. With just 20 career starts under his belt and nearly half of the starts of his rivals Jack’s Big Gun moved from an eighth place spot into second place for semifinals. Art Vandelay (Patriot) was second followed by Citizen’s Arrest (D’Arcy), PJ Fresno (Abernathy), Lock It Up (Cal Holland), Rams Contango (Marsella), T’s Hank It (Patriot) and Kiowa Zed (O’Donnell) in that order. 

The semifinal draw and posts will be crucial in deciding who the finalists will be. Below are the current point totals of those heading into the semifinal rounds this Wednesday. The draw will be Monday afternoon and will be posted here on Vera's News.
Gold Trophy Juvenile Semifinalists

Don't forget to enter your pics in the Saturday night Fantasy Greyhound League game. Click on the link for more information http://fgrl.org/

PJ Fresno in the news
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/parimutuels/pj-fresno-sets-sights-on-gold-trophy-juvenile/2120223

Record crowd for Kentucky Derby at Derby Lane
Gold Trophy off and running

The “power pups” took center stage Saturday night after a record-setting crowd appeared on track to watch Orb win the Kentucky Derby. This year’s crowd of 6,934 made the handle of $444,144 the best Saturday matinee this year. The crowd improved by 621 over last years 6,313 attendance. Many of the Kentucky Derby fans spilled over into the night races and witnessed four exciting qualifying rounds. 

Hambleton kennel’s Art Vandelay (Lonesome Cry x Voo Doo Von Bonz) was the only favorite to chalk up top points. He kicked off the heats in race four in a thrilling come from behind finish. Vandelay made a smart move in the first turn to avoid the trouble and ran down Hi Noon Highlite that shot out of the box and stole a huge lead. T’s Huckleberry finished second with Highlite settling for show. Kiowa Zamyra, Deco Ella Lee, Craigie Benatar, LK’s Quiet Riot and Funn Sunn finished in that order. 

Race six saw Kiowa Zed take the early lead, but Zed was picked off by a determined Citizen’s Arrest (D’Arcy kennel). The son of Surf Lorian and Kendra drew away in a five and a half-length lead clocking a 30.66-the fastest of the night. Flying Rosetta ran second followed by Lock It Up, Kaias Chestnut, Kiowa Zed, T’s Hank It Up, Sakkara Me O My and Flyin Castellano. 

Abernathy kennel’s PJ Fresno (Djays Octane x Bikini Bar) made his move in the homestretch and stole the win away from the bet favorite Musket Man to earn top points. Kentucky Mark, Highshoe Jackson, Flying Blush, Get Over Jewel, Andy Mc Queen and Mega Farola finished third through eighth. 

The final first round heat saw Rams Contango (Kiowa Mon Manny x Rams Kit Malone) leave the field in a nine-length wake. The Marsella entry broke second and took charge in the backstretch beating the $1.30 favorite Flyin Man Of Gold that closed from far back to score second place points. Third through eighth was Kiowa Zafina, Flying Universe, JW Maryland, T’s Hanky Panky, Jack’s Big Gun and Full Eclipse. 

Point totals carry to round two Wednesday night where only sixteen of the entries will move to the two semifinal rounds. Points are distributed as follows: Win = 16, 2^nd = 10, 3^rd = 8, 4^th = 6, 5^th = 3, 6^th = 2, 7^th = 1 and 8^th = 0.

Our "Power Pups" are going to take center stage for the 74th annual Gold Trophy Juvenile series that begins Saturday night May 4th as part of our double stakes action
Don't forget gates open early Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4 at 10:00AM

Join the fun of selecting winners against players from around the globe in the Fantasy Greyhound League game every Saturday night. Click on link for details.
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Rinaker, Perceive, Havencroft, K’s Broadway, Bartie, Brady Thomas and 2011 Derby Lane All-American Hi Noon Renegade are just a handful of nationally recognizable names that have collected a Gold Trophy Juvenile victory at historic Derby Lane. The 74^th annual running of the stakes that showcases the best young stars of the season is one of the longest running Greyhound Juvenile stakes in North America. Many former stakes winners went on to win stakes races at other tracks and even become super sires.  Saturday May 4^th the first round of the stakes is part of the Kentucky Derby Day events. Derby Lane will open the gates early both Friday and Saturday at 10:00 AM for advance wagering on the Derby.  

Call Holland kennel hopes to lock up a first round win Saturday. Their star Lock It Up has the best record of the entries to date and is the only pup among the current top ten. The 71-pound male boasts a 74% money record and has finished in the quiniela in 55% of his races.  Lock It Up and his kennelmate Jack’s Big Gun are the top two pups in Holland’s kennel.

Last year the McAllister kennel scored the victory with Flying Lone Wolf. The kennel is expected to enter Flyin Man Of God that has won half of his 16 starts and boasts a 75% money record. Hambleton kennel’s Musket Man is also a fan favorite with a 75% money record.

Red Oak Racing’s Flyin Castellano is also a popular pup with earnings in 75% of his races as well as D’Arcy kennel’s Citizen’s Arrest that has a 64% money record this season.  The final draw for the first round of the stakes race will be Thursday night. Thirty-two juveniles will be selected to start the four-round qualifying series.

Tiger Boy honored at Greyhound Hall of Fame

Derby Lane’s 2012 double-stakes winner Tiger Boy was among the nine Greyhounds honored at the Greyhound Hall of Fame last week during the NGA Spring Meet. Vince Berland of Abilene, KS owns the star that opened Derby Lane’s meet last year with a victory in the Inaugural (550-yards) and wrapped up the meet with a supercharged victory in the 660-yard St. Petersburg Derby.  Vince accepted the trophy for the athlete.  Before the presentation fans were treated to the show stopping video of Tiger Boy's Derby win and the recognizable sound of Derby Lane announcer Jim Peake. Attendees cheered as if it was the original race going off.  Southland star Bella Infra Red that won the Rural Award for his outstanding year made a personal appearance that thrilled everyone at the ceremony.  

More than $1 million in pup sales was recorded with a final count coming in later this week from the NGA Spring Auction. Last week was amazing and former Greyhound Hall of Fame president Vey Weaver would have been proud of the $47,000 raised at the facility last Tuesday night at the museum where silent auction items along with many donated items for live bid were included in the sales.  

Former Derby Lane kennel Lester Raines paid top dollar of $35,000 for Flying Supergiant (NMS Sweet Thing x Flying Ablaze)-a pup owned by Vince Berland who has a long standing history of superstar athletes at Derby Lane including last year’s champion Tiger Boy. 

A new track record in Abilene was set by KB’s Try This On that smoked in a 29.61. Although the pup was purchased for $30,000 by Tom Ferris, Try This On will likely be deemed sterile due to a physical abnormality announced on the NGA website. Dave and Debbie Strickland that have raised several former Derby Lane superstars and All Americans were the honored family and Pat Dalton of Ireland received a lifetime achievement award.  

The Greyhound Hall of Fame is celebrating its 50^th year and according to the current president Tom Taplin the October celebrations will cap off the celebrations. Congratulations to all of the All America winners. It was truly a night to remember.

Derby Lane is in the news Tuesday night (Apr. 23) on ABC when reporter Jake Peterson features the historic icon on the show. It was fun meeting and working with Jake who is high energy and fun. Tune in to ABC Tuesday night for the show the List that begins at 7:00 PM, EST.  

It’s the annual Spring NGA meet this week where some of the hottest pups in the nation will be showcased for purchase. Vera’s News will be covering the event and posting via twitter and sharing the events on the Derby Lane Facebook page. The weeklong event in Abilene KS, also honors the top sprint and distance athletes from 2012 with the Rural Rube and Flashy Sir awards at the Greyhound Hall of Fame. The elite eight-member All-America team is also honored during the Spring Nationals. This year’s event takes place Thursday night April 25. Tiger Boy, a.k.a. El Tigre that opened the 2012 meet with a win in the St. Petersburg Inaugural over the 550-yard course concluded the season with a thrilling first place finish in the St. Petersburg Derby over the 660-yard course for the Malcom McAllister kennel. Congratulations to Vince Berland that owns the star and to all the trainers that have handled this fine athlete that is currently racing at Southland Greyhound Park in Arkansas. News and results from the NGA meet can be found on their homepage at www.ngagreyhounds.com

WEDNESDAY MATINEE MAY 1^st is the final Wednesday matinee buffet offering of the season.

The Gold Trophy Juvenile stakes begins Saturday night May 4^th as part of the Kentucky Derby day double feature. The Gates open early Friday and Saturday May 3 & 4 at 10:00 AM. Advance wagering on the Kentucky Derby begins Friday May 3.

VENUS ESPINOSA and trainer Cal Holland Jr., featured in Saturday Tampa Bay Times

Although he was snubbed from a slot on the eight-member first All-America Team Derby Lane's Venus Espinosa was highlighted along with Patriot kennel trainer Cal Holland Jr. Venus Espinosa made an impressive comeback after healing from a broken hock. the stunning male won a stakes this year and at the time of this writing was "top dog."

Thousands in the Tampa Bay area read the story and Saturday night Venus did not disappoint his fans by winning his race that put him 1 win from regaining the top slot. Holland upholds family tradition at Derby Lane was the headline used in the story written by Don Jensen, Times Correspondent.

Family is Holland's No. 1 priority. A close second is his job. And what a job he has done as the manager and trainer for Patriot kennel at Derby Lane. Click on the link below to read the full story
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/parimutuels/trainer-upholds-holland-family-tradition-at-derby-lane/2116378

TMC's Roxslide resets seasons best 660-yd. time
Abernathy Kennel wins 5 Wednesday night
SE's Home Owner moves to Southland for Razorback Stakes

Since last September Pauline O’Donnell kennel’s TMC’s Roxslide has controlled the pace over the 660-yard course for trainer John “Jay” Graham.  Roxslide’s 37.24 closed out 2012 as the fastest for the meet and her 37.21 was the quickest until the 64-pound daughter of Lonesome Cry x TMC’s Jiffy reset the time to the new 37.10 last week. Roxslide is top dog over the 660-yard course with seven wins from her 22 starts where she has finished in the quiniela in twelve of her starts this year. Eddie McDonald of TX owns TMC’s Roxslide that is also on a winning spree and pulled off a hat trick Wednesday night April 17. Roxslide won the $75,000 Holiday Challenge, but bad racing luck eliminated her from the Distance Classic. Graham is hopeful that she will rebound and become a finalist in the St. Petersburg Derby in June.

Abernathy kennel was on fire Wednesday night April 17 for trainer Kayruth Abernathy that brought home five wins from her ten starters along with three additional money finishes. The kennel kicked off the night with wins in the Daily Double by Bella Gumshoe and Fifth Gear. Magic Twoface won race five, which was the first half of the Twin Trifecta wager. Magic Nurse won race nine and Magic Moscow was the final entry and the fifth winner for the kennel.

Distance Classic champion SE's Home Owner has moved to Arkansas where he will be an entry in the upcoming Razorback Stakes. He is residing in the Magic City kennel, one of Derby Lane's former kennels. Randy Finegan owns Magic City and set a kennel wins record during his tenure as well as thrilling fans with his "dream" team. Extruding Dream was among the "dream" litter. Extruding Dream held both 550 and 660 yard track records and won multiple stakes races that year. Extruding Dream was an All-American and arguably the best dual distance athlete in the nation in 2006. That same year Magic City kennel finished on top and Extruding Dream was the season win leader racking up an impressive 37 wins from 60 starts with a season record of 60/37-5-6-4.

SE’s Home Owner crosses first in Distance Classic

He did it! Red Oak Racing’s 66-pound male made a clean sweep in the 54^th annual Distance Classic stakes at Derby Lane. Fans saw a historic finish when SE’s Home Owner joined Talentedmrripley as one of the few hounds in history to sweep a Distance Classic series. Ripley’s feat was done in 2002. Eleven years later trainer Alex Hall (20) that was just a pup himself during the “Ripley reign” accomplished the same feat with his undefeated star. 

“For him (Home Owner) to win every round and the final is really special, said Hall who has been the only handler of the young pup since he arrived at Derby Lane last October. “It’s pretty special when you get a pup in and are part of bringing it up through the ranks,” said Hall. “And then it (Home Owner) does something pretty special like he did in winning all the rounds and the final is pretty amazing.” 

SE’s Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE’s Fancy Pants) was the program favorite and the expected winner. The pressure was on and Home Owner didn’t let anyone down. The 66-pound male did have to work for the win and made fans wait until the final turn before taking charge of the race. SE’s Home Owner was the solid favorite and his winning time was a scorching 37.34-the sixth fastest 660-yard time this year. He paid $4.80, $3.80 and $3.00. Richard C. Armington, Jr. owns the champion greyhound that will take up a new residency at Southland in the Magic City kennel and prepare for next month’s stakes.  

When the box opened it was Nova kennel’s Hi Noon Assassin that jumped to the lead and set the pace. Home Owner broke fifth and circled his rivals to score the win. Lashmet kennel’s LK’s Sniper, dubbed the “dark horse” in the race really charged late and his winning effort was almost as exciting as Home Owner’s finish. Kiowa Jordan Doc (O’Donnell) was third and Hi Noon Assassin (Nova) completed the superfecta that paid $895.90. In the photo above (L to R) Derby Lane COO David Tiano shakes hands with Red Oak Racing owner Robert Lambert and presents the trophy to trainer/kennel manager Alex Hall for SE’s Home Owner’s stakes sweep. Hall’s finance Amanda Cardinal and son Bradley Alexander along with kennel assistant Bill Bryant joined in the photo. Leadout is Tony Wheeler that presented SE’s Home Owner.

SE’s Home Owner attempts stakes sweep in $80,000 Distance Classic
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Not since Greyhound Hall of Famer Talentedmrripley’s 2002 Distance Classic win have fans seen total domination by one greyhound in the stakes series. Saturday night Red Oak Racing’s SE’s Home Owner will attempt to repeat the feat and run down his rivals in his signature style. Home Owner has been an assertive greyhound since his arrival. The 66-pounder is track handicapper Jim Peake’s pick for the race from post four. Not only is SE’s Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE’s Fancy Pants) the youngest in the field-so is trainer Alex Hall. At just 20 years of age Hall has taken the kennel leads and has been putting pressure on the top Patriot kennel in the standings. 

SE’s Home Owner is owned by Richard Armington, Jr. that also has a second entry in the field Budz Crosby from Alderson kennel. Hall has always had confidence in his star and presented him in the opening Inaugural after just a few starts in the top grade. Home Owner finished fourth, respectively to Floyd & Porter’s double stakes champ Lily Rose. Like Talentedmrripley the young Home Owner can race at both the 550 and 660-yards. Home Owner ran an impressive fourth in the Sprint Classic in March after encountering early trouble. SE’s Home Owner scored a perfect 64 and hopes to score a perfect sweep in the stakes final.

If Home Owner doesn’t score the victory Hall is hopeful that his second entry Flying Oviedo-the only female in the stakes, will upset the field. Only .01 second separates the fastest times clocked by Home Owner and Oviedo. Flying Oviedo (Flying Penske x Flying Snap Off) took her time moving up the graded ladder and is a consistent money finisher for the kennel. Vince Berland owns the female and also a second entry Flyin Pink Floyd racing with McAllister kennel. A Distance Classic win would be a first time for Red Oak Racing. 

Seven greyhounds earned their posts after semifinals. Three greyhounds tied for the final slot and the father-son battle was on for the final post. Patriot kennel’s Art Almost and Art Alex along with Cal Holland kennel’s Jiminy Lola entered the draw by lot. Cal Holland Jr.’s Art Almost won the draw over his son Justin Holland.

Justin shook the post positions that gave Nova kennel's Hi Noon Assassin (Gable Dodge x Bryan’s Baby) the coveted rail post and his trainer Justin Monaghan was pleased. Hi Noon Assassin scored 40 points in the series and will be a tough one to run down if he gets a clean break. Last year Nova kennel and Assassin's owner Charles Haliburton III picked up an All-American plaque for Derby Lane's 2011 star sprinter Hi Noon Renegade.

Although he holds the seasons fastest 550-yard time O'Donnell kennel's Kiowa Jordan Doc (Flying Penske x Kiowa Tiffany) can go the distance. Last year the male was a semifinalist in the Fall Juvenile and made it all the way to the stakes final of the 660-yard challenge. He was a trifecta favorite that was knocked down after the break.  Kiowa Jordan Doc was a finalist in the Matinee Idol and has been a trifecta favorite during the series. He scored 39 points for trainer John "Jay" Graham. 

Lashmet kennel's LK's Sniper (Pat C Clement x Hush Darling) was dubbed the "dark horse" at the onset of the series and is still one to keep an eye on. The male earned 33 points in the series for trainer Tom Artzer. Sniper can pick off his foes, but his slow break might not see a victory if he is too far behind his strong rivals. Sniper will need to avoid any late trouble for a stakes upset. 

Alderson kennel's Budz Crosby (Kiowa Mon Manny x Craigie Maxi) is owned by Richard Armington, Jr., that also owns the program favorite SE's Home Owner. Crosby earned 29 points despite no winning points in the series. Although winless, the male is the oldest and most experienced in the final. Budz Crosby has remained a consistent top grade competitor during the past year. Crosby made it to the semifinals of last year's Distance Classic and finished third, respectively in last year's St. Petersburg Derby to two time All-American Tiger Boy.  Crosby was also a semifinalist in the 2012 Holiday Challenge and could prove that experience will win for trainer Greg Lesperance.  The Alderson kennel has had four previous Distance Classic wins starting with K’s Viking in 1997, Oxford Shoes (1992), Tomoka Penny (1999) and BD’s Robin in 2001. 

McAllister kennel is no stranger to Distance Classic victories. The kennel won back-to-back stakes in 2006 and 2007 with the same All-American and Flashy Sir award winner Flyin Bridgeport. Vince Berland owns Flyin Pink Floyd and also owned Bridgeport. The Gary Buckmaster trained male scored 28 points and is also winless in the series. Pink Floyd was just a neck away from victory in Wednesday night's semifinal. Flyin Pink Floyd (Dragon Fire x Kay V Say Who) was a finalist in this year's Inaugural (550) and the runner up in both the Matinee Idol and the Sprint Classic.  

He almost didn't make the cut with 26 points, but Patriot kennel's  earned his post in a draw by lot from a three-way tie for the last post. Art Almost (Flying Penske x Sol Venus) was a finalist in last year's St. Petersburg Derby and his brother Art Allen won the Consolation stakes. Art Almost was also a third place finisher in the $75,000 Holiday stakes last December. Art Almost competes from the top Patriot kennel for trainer Cal Holland, Jr.

Father and son draw results in post for Patriot Kennel's Art Almost in $80,000 stakes Saturday night
He "almost" had to sit the stakes out, but the luck of the draw between three greyhounds that all earned 26 points resulted in Art Almost's reentry into the stakes final. Cal Holland, Jr., trains for the top Patriot kennel that saw littermates Art Allen and Art Almost wind up with 26 points, which was the cutoff for the final. Cal's son Justin Holland earned 26 points with his entry Jiminy Lola that races in his grandfather's Cal Holland, Sr. kennel. The names were put in a hat and Art Almost was the name selected.

Once all the cards were put in place Justin shook the post positions for the eight finalists that will vie for the winning purse in Saturday night's Distance Classic. Below is the stakes race in Post Position order. Full story tomorrow.
$80,000 Distance Classic Saturday Night April 6
Race 10-In Post Position order
1-Hi Noon Assassin (Gable Dodge x Bryan's Baby) Nova kennel, trainer Justin Monaghan, owner Charles Haliburton, III
2-Flying Oviedo (Flying Penske x Flying Snap Off) Red Oak Racing, trainer Alex Hall, owner Vince Berland
3-Kiowa Jordan Doc (Flying Penske x Kiowa Tiffany) Pauline O'Donnell, trainer John "Jay" Graham, owner Smith Greyhounds or J. E. O'Donnell
4-SE's Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE's Fancy Pants) Red Oak Racing, trainer Alex Hall, owner Richard Amington, Jr.
5-LK's Sniper (Pat C Clement x Hush Darling) Lashmet kennel, trainer Tom Artzer, owner Jill Lashmet
6-Budz Crosby (Kiowa Mon Manny x Craigie Maxi) Alderson kennel, trainer Greg Lesperance, owner Richard Amington, Jr.
7-Art Almost (Flying Penske x Sol Venus) Patriot kennel, trainer Cal Holland, Jr., owner Smith Greyhounds or Vincent Savill
8-Flyin Pink Floyd (Dragon FRire x Kay V Say Who) McAllister kennel, trainer Gary Buckmaster, owner Vince Berland

SE’s Home Owner sweeps Distance Classic qualifiers
Red Oak Racing earns two posts in the stakes 

Wednesday night Red Oak Racing’s SE’s Home Owner won a fourth in a row earning a perfect 64 points in the qualifying series for Saturday night’s $80,000 Distance Classic. Trained by the 20 year old Alex Hall the kennel also earned a second post with Flying Oviedo that scored 40 points after winning his semifinal heat. Seven posts were filled, but a three-way tie for the final slot won’t be determined until Thursday night. 

A draw by lot in the Racing Secretary’s office Thursday night April 4^th will decide who will get to vie for the winning purse in the April 6 final.
Below are the finalists in point order followed by the remainder of the semifinalists.
$80,000 Distance Classic finalists – top seven
SE’s Home Owner, Red Oak Racing-64 points
Flying Oviedo, Red Oak Racing-40 points
Hi Noon Assassin, Nova-40 points
Kiowa Jordan Doc, Pauline O’Donnell-39 points
LK’s Sniper, Lashmet-33 points
Budz Crosby, Alderson-29 points
Flyin Pink Floyd, McAllister-28 points

The three-way tie with 26 points each for the final post is Art Almost and Art Allen from Patriot kennel and Cal Holland kennel’s Jiminy Lola. 
The following greyhounds were eliminated:
Flyin Castellano, Red Oak-25 points
Sovereign Lake, D’Arcy-24 points
M’s Flex George, Floyd & Porter-23 points
Clever Is Crazy, Lashmet-18 points
Kiowa Jordan Tif, O’Donnell-15 points
Digger For Gold, Abernathy-10 points 

Like father, like son? Red Oak Racing’s trainer Alex Hall remembers many days watching his parents turning out and working greyhounds at the track. Twenty years later Alex’s son Bradley (photo above) is part of his daily routine and gets extra excited when he gets to go to the kennel and watch the greyhounds play outside. Bradley could be the good luck charm for Hall’s double entry in the $80,000 Distance Classic.

 Red Oak Racing on fire in Distance Classic series
SE's Home Owner threepeats in series and earns early post in final 

The qualifiers just keep getting better as greyhounds near the final rounds for the $80,000 Distance Classic to be held Wednesday night April 3. The top eight will emerge for the April 6 final. Red Oak Racing’s SE’s Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE’s Fancy Pants) gave another stellar performance to score three in a row in the series and remain undefeated for the 20-year old Alex Hall.   

Last year’s Derby Consolation champion Art Alex (Patriot) shot to the front, but Homeowner overtook Alex in the far turn and scored a third set of win points that definitely gives him one of the eight posts for the stakes final. LK’s Sniper (Lashmet) closed for third followed by Sovereign Lake, M’s Flex George, Jiminy Lola, Kiowa Jordan Tif and Digger For Gold. Home Owner was the bet favorite in the tenth race. Fans that played Home Owner across the board received $5.80, $3.00 and $3.20.  

Before Home Owner’s threepeat, fans saw a huge upset in race six by Nova kennel’s Hi Noon Assassin (Gable Dodge x Bryan’s Baby) over the favorite Kiowa Jordan Doc. Assassin paid $20,40 for the win that he clocked in 37.51. The 65-pounder’s dam is the same female that produced Derby Lane’s 2011 All-American Hi Noon Renegade for Nova kennel and greyhound owner Charles Haliburton III. Assassin went box to wire for the win.

 Alderson kennel’s Budz Crosby put on a show despite many blocks that saw the 81-pounder close fast and nose out his rival to score second place points behind Assassin. Red Oak Racing took third and fourth place points with Flying Oviedo and Flyin Castellano, respectively. Fifth through eight place was Kiowa Jordan Doc, Flyin Pink Floyd, Clever Is Crazy and Art Almost. The greyhounds will earn their final set of points Wednesday as follows: Win=16, 2^nd=10, 3^rd=8, 4^th=6, 5^th=3, 6^th=2, 7^th=1 and 8^th=0.

Below are the semifinalists for Wednesday night’s final rounds in POINT ORDER
SE’s Home Owner, Red Oak Racing-48 points
Hi Noon Assassin, Nova-32 points
LK’s Sniper, Lashmet-30 points
Kiowa Jordan Doc, O’Donnell-29 points
Budz Crosby, Alderson-28 points
Art Almost, Patriot, 26 points
Flying Oviedo, Red Oak Racing-24 points
Sovereign Lake, D’Arcy-22 points
M’s Flex George, Floyd & Porter-21 points
Jiminy Lola, Cal Holland-20 points
Art Allen, Patriot-20 points
Flyin Pink Floyd, McAllister-18 points
Flyin Castellano, Red Oak Racing-17points
Clever Is Crazy, Lashmet-15 points
Kiowa Jordan Tif, O’Donnell-14 points
Digger For Gold, Abernathy-10 points

Red Oak repeats feat in Distance Classic qualifier

The second qualifying rounds for the $80,000 Distance Classic gave fans a real treat. The highly competitive second rounds kicked off with photo finishes for the win in the first two heats. Only one of the first round winners repeated the feat and it was SE's Home Owner from Red Oak Racing that impressed all with a back to back win.

Patriot kennel’s Art Almost (Flying Penske x Sol Venus) won a long duel by a nose against Floyd & Porter kennel’s M’s Flex George in race four. The two volleyed the top spot throughout. And not only did those two put on a show, but Lashmet kennel’s Clever Is Crazy was closing the gap and was just ¾ of a length from the win in third place. D’Arcy kennel’s Sovereign Ruler finished fourth. The bet favorite and round one winner Flying Oviedo (Red Oak) was shoved back at the break and finished in eighth place. Fifth through seventh were Kiowa Kay Dan, TMC’s Roxslide and Jack’s Cruze. 

Lashmet kennel’s LK’s Sniper (Pat C Clement x Husk Darling) picked off his rival at the wire to score the top points by a nose in race six. Only three lengths separated the sixth place finisher from the winner at the wire. Dubbed the “dark horse” in the series the 75-pound Sniper gave a thrilling finish coming off the pace from sixth to win the photo. Kiowa Jordan Tif (O’Donnell) broke on top and was nosed out at the wire. Art Allen was third followed by Hi Noon Assassin, Kentucky Gal, M’s Flex Beth, Flying Nicola and Sovereign Lake.  

Race eight saw Cal Holland kennel’s Jiminy Lola (Heart Rumble x Double Platinum) score the win.  Once again it was a close finish with just three lengths separating the fifth place runner from the victory. Digger For Gold gave a winning effort to take second and Getso’s Rainy R was third. LK’s Instigator took advantage of late trouble to close for fourth place. Finishing fifth through eight was Flyin Castellano and BaileyThe Great. Yarborough Bonz was closing fast and looked as if he was going to steal the show in the far turn, but the male was offstrided and forced out taking Flying Ignatius with him to the outside. Both were not far off despite their late trouble. 

Red Oak Racing’s SE’s Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE’s Fancy Pants) was the only double winner in round two and is “top dog” with 32 points. The 67-pound male gave an impressive performance closing from fifth to steal the win away from Kiowa Jordan Doc in a blazing 37.31. SE Home Owner’s time was a personal best and the fastest of the series thus far. Budz Crosby was always in the hunt and held for show by a nose against Flyin Pink Floyd. Jawa Peeps, Citizen’s Arrest, Hi Noon Arsenal and Blazin Fireball completed the field in that order.  

The field was sliced to 16 for the next two rounds. Below are the OFFICIAL Point totals. The draw for Saturday nights round three and post position assignment will be held in the Racing Office Thursday night at 6:30 pm.

$80,000 Distance Classic Sweet 16 Semifinalists in Point Order
SE’s Home Owner, Red Oak Racing-32-points
Kiowa Jordan Doc, Pauline O’Donnell-26 points
Art Almost, Patriot-26 points
LK’s Sniper, Lashmet-22 points
Budz Crosby, Alderson-18 points
M’s Flex George, Floyd & Porter-18 points
Jiminy Lola, Cal Holland-18 points
Flying Oviedo, Red Oak-16 points
Flyin Pink Floyd, McAllister-16 points
Sovereign Lake, D’Arcy-16 points
Hi Noon Assassin, Nova-16 points
Clever Is Crazy, Lashmet-14 points
Kiowa Jordan Tif, Pauline O’Donnell-13 points
Flyin Castellano, Red Oak-11 points
Art Allen, Patriot-10 points
Digger For Gold, Abernathy-10 points

Should there be any scratches before posts are drawn there would be a draw as there are five greyhounds tied for the substitute slots with 9 points each. They are Jack’s Cruze (Holland), Yarborough Bonz (Hambleton)Kiowa Kay Dan (McAllister), LK’s Instigator (Lashmet) and Getso’s Rainy R (Nova).
There were corrections in the program with the series as race eight from round one was charted as the winning time of 31.48 instead of 37.48, which made the season’s best time and track record time over the 660-yard course incorrect in the program. Sovereign Lake did not run a track record or a season’s best time, but we won’t tell him that. He thinks he did, but we will make the corrections beginning with the Friday program. The Track Record over the 660-yard course is held by JR’s Boy 36.53 and the season’s best time belongs to TMC’s Roxslide of 37.21.

Red Oak Racing takes two in round one Distance Classic
Venus Espinosa withstands pressure for impressive win 

For over half a century Derby Lane has showcased their top 660-yard athletes in the Distance Classic stakes. Many Greyhound Hall of Famers included a Distance Classic win on their resume including Greyhound immortals Rinaker and Keefer that captured back-to-back titles.  

Only one kennel captured two first round winners. The young Alex Hall collected top points with SE’s Home Owner in race four and Flying Oviedo closed out the first round series in race 10. Flying Oviedo not only gave Hall a second winner the 58-pound powerhouse scorched the field in 37.36, which was the fastest first round time. And Oviedo was the only female to score a first round victory despite the two to one male ratio in the series.  

O’Donnell kennel’s Kiowa Jordan Doc was the bet favorite that won his heat. D’Arcy kennel’s Sovereign Lake was an upset winner over favorite Jack’s Cruze in race eight.The second round on Wednesday night March 27 will eliminate half the starters and move the top sixteen to two semifinal rounds that precede the Classic stakes on April 6.
54th Annual Distance Classic Series-Current Point Totals
SE’s Home Owner, Red Oak Racing-16 points
Kiowa Jordan Doc, Pauline O’Donnell-16 points
Sovereign Lake, D’Arcy kennel-16 points
Flying Oviedo, Red Oak Racing-16 points
Budz Crosby, Alderson kennel-10 points
Flyin Pink Floyd, McAllister-10 points
Art Almost, Patriot-10 points
Hi Noon Assassin, Nova-10 points
Yarborough Bonz, Hambleton-8 points
Flyin Castellano, Red Oak-8 points
Jack’s Cruze, Cal Holland-8 points
M’s Flex George, Floyd & Porter-8 points
LK’s Sniper, Lashmet-6 points
Clever Is Crazy, Lashmet-6 points
Flying Nicola, McAllsiter-6 points
Kiowa Kay Dan, McAllister-6 points
Citizens Arrest, D’Arcy-3 points
Hi Noon Arsenal, Nova kennel-3 points
Kiowa Jordan Tif, Pauline O’Donnell-3 points
LK’s Instigator, Lashmet-3 points
Jawa Peeps, Capabal-2 points
Jiminy Lola, Cal Holland-2 points
M’s Flex Beth, Floyd & Porter-2 points
Art Allen, Patriot-2 points
TMC’s Roxslide, Pauline O’Donnell-1 point
Kentucky Gal, Cal Holland-1 point
Getso’s Rainy R, Nova kennel-1 point
Bailey The Great, Pauline O’Donnell-1 point
Flying Ignatius, McAllister kennel-0 points
Sovereign Ruler, D’Arcy kennel-0 points
Digger For Gold, Abernathy-0 points
Blazin Fireball, Marsella-0 points

AND along with the stakes racing heats, Venus Espinosa scored the 12th race win for Patriot kennel moving him back in a two-way tie as "top dog" with Hambleton kennel's Ed N Eddie. Both males have 9 wins for the year.

TMC's Roxslide heads Distance Classic series
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TMC’s Roxslide has continued to top the list of the fastest 660-yard athletes at Derby Lane since last September. Her 37.21 is the fastest this year. The husky 64-pound daughter of Lonesome Cry x TMC’s Jiffy is among the favorites in the 54^th annual Distance Classic that begins Saturday night March 23. Roxslide captured the $75,000 Holiday Challenge last December and is one of four kennel entries trained by John “Jay” Graham. 

The top Patriot kennel’s Art Allen that won last year’s Consolation Derby is also a starter in the stakes along with his litter-brother Art Almost. Although tested over the longer run, D’Arcy kennel’s Dusty Outback was not among the entries for the defending kennel, but his brother Citizen’s Arrest along with Sovereign Lake and Sovereign Ruler, who are littermates, will vie for this year’s title.

Red Oak Racing that is hot on Patriot’s “paws” for the top kennel spot has three entries in the stakes. SE’s Home Owner that ran a respectable fourth in both the Inaugural and the Sprint Classic 550-yard stakes is among the long distance entries. Flying Oviedo who clocked a speedy 37.32 this meet and Flyin Castellano will also represent Red Oak in the series.

The new Lashmet kennel's entry LK's Sniper is still generating a buzz after his March 13 victory. He halted streaks and scored the win to turn heads his way. LK's Instigator and Clever Is Crazy are also stakes starters for the new kennel.  

Hambleton's hound pays hefty prices during Monday Matinee Cash giveaway

Fans on track Monday matinee enjoyed a great promotion. The Fan Appreciation Day offered .99 hot dogs and .99 sodas along with 10 chances at collecting cash in the $250 cash drawings held during the first ten races of the matinee. And fans that backed Hambleton kennel's #2 BVP's Choice in race seven cashed BIG. The 73-pound son of Tyrur Alex* x Peltys Dream was a graded maiden in his fifth start at Derby Lane. He was a longshot with a record of 4/0-0-0-0. Trainer Doug Flint may not have been as surprised as fans that played the race, but when the official prices were put up a few fans were scurrying to the windows. BVP's Choice paid $35.40 to win, $28.40 to place and $8.60 to show. The quiniela with Choice and bet favorite DC Even Though #4 paid $94.60. Not bad for a $2 ticket.

Wednesday night is the final evening for the top grade distance racers to tune up for the first round of the 54th annual Distance Classic that starts Saturday night. Good luck everyone.

For many 660-yard athletes Saturday is their final tuneup Double stakes winner Lily Rose back on track Sat. Night See you at the prize table Monday for Fan Appreciation Day Cash Giveaway!
Many of the top grade 660-yard athletes competing Saturday night may not appear again until the first round of the $82,000 Distance Classic series. The first round is Saturday night March 23. Thirty-two greyhounds will get entered into the grueling series that will produce eight finalists for the April 6 final. Many of the kennels have already selected their entries. Others may wait until Wednesday March 20 to select their entry. That will be the final night that a Distance Classic entry can run before the first round begins.  

Race eight Saturday night March 16, features Cal Holland kennel’s Jack’s Cruze that blazed a 37.37 in a come from behind victory earlier in the week. He is sure to be a favorite among the field that includes Holiday Distance Challenge finalist Kiowa Jordan Doc that also holds the season’s 550-yard time of 30.38. LK’s Lucky You and Kiowa Kay Dan are seeking repeat wins.  

Race twelve has the NGA Jan/Feb cover pup TMC’s Roxslide that also holds the season’s fastest 660-yard time, which she has held since last September. She closed out 2012 as the fastest and repeated the feat this year for O’Donnell kennel. Art Allen was the Derby Consolation champ last June and was a finalist in the Holiday Challenge. A trio of youngsters will challenge both stakes stars. D’Arcy kennel’s Dusty Outback is a crowd pleaser when victorious. His very slow breaking style and powerful late rush adds excitement. Dusty was fifth by just two and a half-lengths from taking the prize in the Sprint Classic. Next to Outback is Lashmet kennel’s LK’s Sniper that could be a dark horse. Sniper beat an impressive field Wednesday and if he runs well again is expected to be a kennel entry.

Before the distance athletes compete two-time stakes winner Lily Rose is seeking a seventh win this year in race six. The stakes-like field includes solid Grade A rivals Flyin Pink Floyd, Sovereign Beauty, AHK Remember Me and Ed N Edmundo. The approximate post time for the race will be 8:55 PM, EST.

LK’s Sniper takes out foes in Distance Classic tune up 

The trainers at Derby Lane are wrapping up their selections for next week’s start of the 54^th annual Distance Classic. Wednesday night the Tom Artzer trained LK’s Sniper (Pat C Clement x Hush Darling) took out his impressive rivals over the 660-yard course. The 75-pounder halted the hat trick hopes for WW’s Cream Puff (Red Oak) and Dusty Outback (D’Arcy) when he rushed from fifth to first to win the race by three lengths. Sniper paid $25.80 for the upset. Sniper’s victory makes one question if he could be the “dark horse” in the series for the new Lashmet kennel. 

Cal Holland kennel’s Jack’s Cruze was also an upset top grade distance winner that night. Cruze scorched the track with a winning time of 37.37 in a come from behind victory. The Justin Holland trained male who is also sired by Pat C Clement and whelped from Jack’s Fire was impressive. Cruze pushed his way by on the rail in the far turn to cruise home in a three-length victory. Jack’s time is among the top ten fastest this year. Those backing Jack received $$19.80 for a win ticket. Jack beat the bet favorite Hi Noon Assassin (Nova) and kept Art Allen (Patriot), Flying Ignatius (McAllister) and Flying Oviedo (Red Oak) from scoring repeat wins. 

Many of the distance athletes will be featured again Saturday night March 16, as trainers make their final selections for their entry into this year’s Classic stakes. Round one is March 23. Stakes final is Saturday night April 6

While all the focus was on the Sprint Classic race last Saturday night O’Donnell kennel’s Kiowa Jordan Doc managed to set a new season’s best time over the 550-yard course in the Saturday afternoon races. The 66-pound lightweight is a dual distance heavy hitter and is changing back to a familiar 660-yard oval to prepare for the upcoming $80,000 Distance Classic.  

This year Doc has juggled the two distances. In February Doc was taken off after being bumped and finishing far back over the 550-yard course. The male re-schooled two weeks later and won. His March 2 start was his first official race in nearly a month. Graham wasn’t expecting Jordan to record a new time during the Saturday matinee of the stakes final. “I was pretty excited for him (Doc) and when he got the front I knew he would win the race- the best time was a bonus,” said Graham.  

The January 2011 son of Flying Penske and Kiowa Tiffany impressed Graham in his early starts, too. Doc recorded 15 money finishes in his first 17 career starts of which six were first place finishes. He also boasts a 70% money record in his 62 career starts.  “He’s still pretty young,” said trainer John “Jay” Graham. “He’s barely two-years old with a great kennel personality.”

The 54^th annual Distance Classic held over the 660-yard oval will begin Saturday night March 23 and conclude Saturday night April 6.

Call Me Sprint Classic Champ!

You could call him just about anything right about now and it wouldn’t phase anyone in the D’Arcy kennel that enjoyed watching their star Call Me Ishmael capture the 38^th annual Sprint Classic Saturday night March 2. The 79-pounder broke fifth and worked his way to the win to overtake track sweetheart Lily Rose that was the bet favorite. Lily has been the stakes specialist this year starting with the Inaugural win opening weekend and following it up with the Matinee Idol victory.  

Ishmael was a trifecta favorite and it was no surprise when he was close to the leaders in the backstretch that the male was in striking distance-and strike he did. Ishmael drove past Lily Rose to win by two and a half-lengths recording 30.58 in his 550-yard victory, which was the fastest of the evening. Call Me Ishmael will be celebrating a third birthday this month. Ryan Farms owns the son of Flying Penske and Ultimate Gift. This is not the first time Ishmael has enjoyed a winner’s circle photo. Last year he was the winner of the 9^th annual Rotary Governor’s feature. Ishmael was among the top guns last year and was the runner-up in the Gold Trophy Juvenile.  

Ishmael nearly won the Southland Consolation stakes last year in Arkansas and was closing fast for a respectable third in the Fall Sprint. It was no surprise to his followers to watch the male steal the show in the final strides of the race. “We’re real proud of him,” said trainer Catherine D’Arcy in the winner’s circle. “He’s been a special pup for Don Ryan.”  With her mom by her side Catherine along with an entourage of friends that were enjoying the evening made their way to center stage where Steve Isbitts presented Frances D’Arcy the trophy. The rest of the party from L to R included Ken Farver, Catherine D’Arcy, Lisa Wheeler, Daniel Lizcano, Franz Scheider, David Pollington, Liz Adams, Aidan and Christine Foley. Leadout presenting Ishmael is Brandon Flaherty.  

The next stakes race at Derby Lane is the $80,000 Distance Classic over the 660-yard course. Round one begins Saturday night March 23. “We are keeping him (Ishmael) in the 550-yards,” said Catherine. “We tried him over the longer course last year and didn’t like the results.”

Lily Rose seeks third stakes win in the Sprint Classic final Saturday Night
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Derby Lane is excited to welcome JoeBucsFan creator Steve Isbitts and present the elite eight that will vie for the winning purse in the $64,000 Sprint Classic on Saturday. Steve will be presenting the trophy to the winning kennel Saturday night. He is an avid sports fan and well-respected in the Tampa Bay area. Over 12 million fans have visited Joe's website since 2008, as it is the #1 source for Bucs news and commentary. 

Lily Rose has been the most consistent stakes contender this year and she has her sights set on collecting another title in the 38th annual stakes. Lily is one of two females in the stakes that hopes to return the title to the girls that have not seen a victory against the males since the first running of the stakes in 1976. Moses-Crawford kennel won the stakes with Montaque Maze. Each year females enter the event, but the males have scored the win. Lily is the program favorite for trainer Liz Dunnuck and no doubt the one to beat from her favorite #8 box. Lily has drawn the 8 post 10 times in her career winning 7 of them. She also finished second by a nose in another. Lily races from the Floyd & Porter kennel and scored 39 points during the four-round qualifying series which put her at the top of the list of finalists. 

Patriot kennel's Art Alex was second high point-getter with 37 and drew post #2. Alex's brother Art Allen was the Consolation Derby champ last June and won from the #2-the same post Alex drew. Of the eight times Alex has drawn the two box he has only won two of them, but finished in the trifecta five times from that post. Alex boasts a 73% money record from his 111 races for trainer Cal Holland, Jr. Last year Alex was a semifinalist in the Gold Trophy (550-yd.) & Distance Classic (660-yd.). 

Trainer Jesse Fraker has stacked the deck with two entries in the stakes. Drew A Winner could be the "dark horse" in the race. Drew was a late starter and schooled at Gulf Greyhound in TX before shipping to Derby Lane for a first career start as a graded maiden. The 71-pound male scored 33 points despite only 13 career starts for the Alabama kennel and boasts a 77% money record. He would have preferred an outside box. The second Alabama entry is also a female hopeful Goodluck Topaz that filled the final slot with 30 points. Topaz has 91 career starts with a 59% money record. She drew the #5 and has won from the middle of the pack before, but it was in earlier races of her career. 

Tom Artzer moved with the new Lashmet kennel that previously raced on Florida's east coast at Orange Park. His entry is LK's Now R Never that is the "top dog" in the kennel. Artzer has handled the pup during his career and watched the 72-pound male impress all from day one. Now R Never finished third high with 34 points. At OP the male won his first schooler by 12 and climbed the graded ladder undefeated. He was a quiniela finisher in 11 of his first 12 starts. Now R Never was the favorite in the OP Puppy stakes where he encountered trouble. He was a finalist in the Matinee Idol from post 4. Now R Never drew the coveted rail post. He was lethal on the lead at OP and will be looking for a sharp break. 

Red Oak Racing's SE's Home Owner tied fourth in points with 33 in the series. Home Owner is trained by Alex Hall and is another youngster. In just 31 career starts Home Owner boasts an 81% money record. He has only drawn one 7 box in his career and ran fourth. Home Owner won two of his four qualifiers and was a fourth place finisher in the opening Inaugural stakes in January. He is generally a slow breaker with a late rush. While Alex is hopeful for a Sprint victory, he will be cheering for his mother Jill Spicer (Xtrem kennel) in the $40,000 Naples Fort Myers Derby that is race 10 Saturday night. Derby Lane will simulcast the race. 

Flyin Pink Floyd drew #6-the same post that saw the McAllister kennel male record back to back wins in rounds two and three. Gary Buckmaster trains Floyd that would need to get to the front rapidly for the win. Pink Floyd was a finalist in the Inaugural and was the runner-up to Lily Rose in the Matinee Idol from post #5. He tallied 32 points. 

D'Arcy kennel's Call Me Ishmael is an experienced stakes contender. He won last year's Rotary Governor's race and was the runner-up in the Gold Trophy race. Ishmael just missed winning a stakes at Southland and was a close third place finisher in the Fall Sprint. Ishmael is a powerful closer from any post for trainer Catherine D'Arcy. He scored 31 points and will be the one to watch late in the race.  

More JoeBucs info:
Since its launch in August 2008, JoeBucsFan.com has enjoyed more than 12 million actual visits to the site and tens of millions of page views. More than 12,000 posts about the Bucs have been published, more than any other media outlet during that time. The Tampa Bay Business Journal took notice in 2010, and then again in 2011, as JoeBucsFan.com and its family of websites and affiliations are now a major force in the sports media. Business Insider even questioned the head of ESPN.com about the popularity of JoeBucsFan.com. You’ve heard Joe as a guest many times on WDAE-AM 620, the Bucs’ flagship radio station, and you’ve heard Joe on many sports radio shows in the Tampa Bay market, including the top-ratedSteve Duemig Show and the Ron and Ian Show.

For more information on JoeBucs click on the link below.

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BREAKING NEWS! POSTS HAVE BEEN DRAWN FOR SATURDAY NIGHT March 2 stakes. Full story and bios tomorrow.
The post positions for the $64,000 Sprint Classic this Saturday night have been drawn and it's time to start capping the event. Good luck to everyone. This race is wide open, but the track sweetheart Lily Rose did draw a great post. 
$64,000 Sprint Classic Race 10 Saturday Night March 2 at Historic Derby Lane
IN POST ORDER
1-LK's Now R Never (Pat C Clement x Brett's Raceyone) Lashmet Kennel, trainer Tom Artzer
2-Art Alex (Flying Penske x Sol Venus) Patriot Kennel, trainer Cal Holland Jr. (Vincent Savill
3-Drew A Winner (TK Quick Strike x Loveless) Alabama Kennel, trainer Jesse Fraker (Patty White Byers
4-Call Me Ishmael (Flying Penske x Ultimate Gift) DArcy kennel, trainer Catherine D'Arcy
5-Goodluck Topaz (RA Blazer x Good Luck Leslie) Alabama Kennel, trainer Jesse Fraker
6-Flyin Pink Floyd (Dragon Fire x Kay V Say Who) Barbara McAllister kennel, trainer Gary Buckmaster
7-SE's Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE's Fancy Pants) Red Oak Racing, LLC kennel, trainer Alex Hall
8-Lily Rose (Kiowa Sweet Trey x Miss Merle) Floyd & Porter kennel, trainer Liz Dunnuck

 

Lily Rose heads Sprint Classic finalists for Saturday's race
She is the track sweetheart and the most dominate stakes winner this year. Floyd and Porter kennel's Lily Rose (Kiowa Sweet Trey x Miss Merle) won a second of four qualifying rounds that catapulted her to the top of the list with 39 points for Saturday night's race. Lily is following in her father Kiowa Sweet Trey's paw prints as he too captured the first two stakes races during his Derby Lane debut in 2002. Trey was also a finalist in the Sprint Classic where he finished third, respectively. Lily won the Inaugural and the Matinee Idol (photo right) and hopes for three in a row Saturday. Randy Floyd owns the 67-pounder trained by Liz Dunnuck. Lily is one of two females that will challenge the six males for the title.
Alabama kennel's Good Luck Topaz (RA Blazer x Good Luck Leslie) is the second female in the final. She scored 30 points to earn her spot. Trainer Jesse Fraker is the only one with two entries in the final. The second Alabama entry is Drew A Winner (TK Quick Strike x Loveless) that collected 33 points in the series.
Art Alex (Flying Penske x Sol Venus) finished in the number two spot with 37 points for Patriot kennel and trainer Cal Holland, Jr. followed by Lashmet kennel's LK's Now R Never (Pat C Clement x Brett's Raceyone) trained by Tom Artzer. Now R Never recorded 34 points. Red Oak Racing's SE's Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE's Fancy Pants) earned 33 points in the series for trainer Alex Hall.
McAllister kennel's Flying Pink Floyd (Dragon Fire x Kay V Say Who) earned 32 points for trainer Gary Buckmaster. Last year D'Arcy kennel's entry was Ambriel. This year trainer Catherine D'Arcy will watch Call Me Ishmael seek the stakes title. The son of Flying Penske and Ultimate Gift earned 31 points in the series. 

 

Sprint Classic is Saturday night March 2
JW Titleist marks 50th career win
Derby Lane Fantasy League every Saturday
Click on link for more details
http://fgrl.org/

Last year Capabal kennel's SE's Chewie won the stakes race. Others in last year's field included 2011 Rural Rube and All America Captain Tiger Boy from McAllister kennel as well as Boy's kennel-mate Gable Eddie. Magic Bagels (Abernathy), Sing In the Rain (Patriot), TMC's Pistol (O'Donnell), Hi Noon Renegade (Nova) and D'Arcy's Ambriel were also among the eight. All kennels were represented in the opening rounds on February 16. The elimination rounds (schedule left) will concluded Wednesday night February 27th and the top eight will compete in the stakes final on March 2.

JW Titleist (Dave The Dog x Abita Cruzin) marked a 50th career win for trainer Belinda Parker. The September 2008 male circled the Derby Lane 550-yard oval in his 216th career start on February 19th moving him back to the top Grade A. Walter Wasik of TX and John Bladen of OK own Titleist that is housed in the Capabal kennel.

Congratulations to Moms Hellion that finished a respectable third place in the Mardi Gras World Classic for owner Tina Williams. Hellion raced at Derby Lane from the Alabama kennel before shipping to Hallandale Beach FL to the DQ Williams Kennel.

 

Derby Lane’s Moms Hellion seeks World Classic win Friday
Venus Espinosa, Lily Rose among Sprint Classic starters Saturday night
We’re giving away cash during our special President’s Day Matinee Monday February 18
Join us in the Fantasy Greyhound League – A great way to improve your handicapping skills

The 38^th annual Sprint Classic begins Saturday night featuring two of this year’s hottest stars. Lily Rose is a respectable female that has captured two stakes already this year and is eyeing a third. The beautiful Floyd & Porter star will be among the starters Saturday night. The top male Venus Espinosa from Patriot kennel is this year’s fastest and last week he scored a first title this year in the 9^th annual Rotary Governor’s race.

Before the Sprint stakes series gets underway fans can watch Derby Lane’s Mom’s Hellion vie for the win in the Mardi Gras World Classic race via simulcast. The male raced with the Alabama kennel at Derby before shipping to the DQ Williams kennel. Mom’s Hellion (Coldwater Torres x Instant Vintage) drew post eight. Best of luck to him. We’ll be watching! 

Monday Matinee Fran and I will be back on track with cash in hand to give to ten lucky fans 18 years of age or older that are on track for our President’s Day Cash Giveaway. Admission is free as is General Parking. Valet available. Concession specials throughout the track, too. Join us for 15 great races and a shot at some extra cash on Monday! 

Can you pick a Derby Lane winner? You can greatly improve your handicapping skills by entering the Kcimagemakers fantasy greyhound game featuring Derby Lane Greyhounds. It’s free, fast, easy and for those that like to be interactive we tweet live every Saturday night during the game. We have friends from all over the globe. Click on the link for all the information.

  

 

Valentine's Day is Thursday February 14th

 

 

Venus Espinosa wins Rotary Governor’s Feature
Derby Lane’s top dog for 2012 and this year’s current win leader and season’s fastest Venus Espinosa won his first title race of the year. The 9^th annual Rotary Governor’s Feature was held Saturday February 9. The impressive field included Lily Rose that was seeking her third title race this year. The Floyd & Porter beauty stormed the year by winning the Inaugural and the Matinee Idol. Also in the field was the defending champion Call Me Ishmael (D’Arcy) that won last year’s Rotary event.  

Venus Espinosa (Kiowa Mon Manny x Sol Venus) was once again the bet favorite and has been every start this year and for the majority of his racing career. The 76-pounder and the lighter Lily Rose (66-lbs.) were “paw to paw” early in the race but Lily was crowded in the backstretch and Venus moved in front. Call Me Ishmael made his signature late move from fourth, but his strides were 3/4ths of a length away from the victory. Photo above by Vera Rasnake L to R: Cal and Joy Holland, David Keck, Jamie Mick, Tom Wade, Dave Lamar and Doug Meyer-all Rotary International members.

Venus Espinosa has finished in the money 74% of his 119 starts with 52 of them wins. Vincent Savill and Kay Smith own the October 2009 male that races with Savill’s record-setting Patriot kennel. Venus Espinosa paid $4.00,l $3.20 and $3.00. Third through eighth place was Ed N Eddie (Hambleton), PJ Domo (Abernathy), Kiowa Azbia (O’Donnell) Kiowa Under Way (McAllister), Lily Rose (Floyd & Porter) and Nova kennel’s SL Muzzie.  

“Our group enjoys sponsoring this charity event every year,” said Doug Meyer who is the Chairman of the Board for S4TL. The Rotary International group sponsors the S4TL each year, which stands for students for tomorrow’s leaders. Cal Holland, Jr. and his wife Joy joined in the presentation. Jamie Mick that is the Rotary District Governor of Pinellas County proudly displayed the plaque. Other members included Patriot assistant trainer David Keck, Rotary District Gov. of Hillsborough County, and Dave Lamar Director of S4TL.

Venus Espinosa will be a starter in the upcoming Sprint Classic that begins February 16^th.

 

Leeroy Jenkins eyes Maiden win Friday Night
Call Me Ishmael defends title in 9^th annual Rotary Governor’s Feature Sat. Matinee
JW Titleist seeks 50^th career win Sat. Night
Joinn us in the weekly Fantasy Greyhound Game-details below

It’s going to be a great weekend here on track. While much of the north will be dealing with winter storms, our greyhounds will be entertaining crowds under beautiful skies. Friday night Leeroy Jenkins is eyeing a maiden win. What’s so special about Leeroy? Well not only is he owned by a local lady, Leeroy comes with his own cheering section too. As a former racing greyhound owner I know how exciting it is to watch your athlete on track and just the thrill of being part of the on-track experience and watching owners enjoy the sport is why I have highlighted Leeroy. This is Leeroy’s third career start. I enjoyed owning a racer-who is now my companion at home. Best of luck to Leeroy Friday night.

Saturday matinee the Rotarians are back on track for a ninth year of exciting greyhound racing. The sixth race in the matinee is the Rotary Governor’s Feature. Last year’s champion Call Me Ishmael (D'Arcy kennel) is back to defend his title. Photo above. He will face-off in a battle of the sexes with two-time stakes champion Lily Rose and last year’s top dog Venus Espinosa. The trio are headliners but Ed N Eddie could get loose for a first title victory. SL Muzzie, PJ Domo, Kiowa Zabia, and Kiowa Under Way are also in the Governor’s feature. Good luck to all!

JW Titleist hopes to mark his Derby Lane record with a 50^th career win Saturday night in race 10. The son of Dave The Dog and Abita Cruzin is eyeing a fifth birthday this September. Titleist has been a Capabal kennel favorite as well as a Derby Lane fan favorite during his career. It will be Titleist’s 214^th career start. His record to date is 213/49-48-25-20. JW Titleist will compete from post six against the younger Friecracker Gus who is the program favorite from post eight.  

We love Greyhound Racing and so do our fans at Kcimagemakers that put together the Saturday night Fantasy Greyhound League Game. Long time friends Frank Hansel and Shelley Lake adopted Derby Lane as their new track after the Woodlands in Kansas City, KS closed. We have a loyal following each week that love to socialize while the game is played. It’s fun, easy and you don’t have to be tied to the computer. You can enter your picks and find the results the following day in your inbox. See you on line!
http://fgrl.org/

TMC’s Roxslide and Venus Espinosa set January pace
Best of luck to Flying Dimarco at Naples Fort Myers Saturday MATINEE
Brother Buck’s brother debuts Saturday night in race 1
Play the Saturday night Fantasy Game. Details below 

Pauline O’Donnell kennel’s Greyhound Review cover pup TMC’s Roxslide and Patriot Kennel’s 2012 top dog Venus Espinosa has set the pace for the New Year. Roxslide’s 37.21 clocked on Jan. 22 is the fastest 660-yard time this year for trainer John “Jay” Graham. The top Patriot kennel’s Venus Espinosa recorded the best 550-yard time of 30.40 on January 2 for trainer Cal Holland, Jr. 

Derby Lane’s Flying Dimarco who was a third place finisher in the November $20,000 Fall Juvenile and a semifinalist the October $50,000 Fall Sprint, has made the stakes final of the $20,000 Sprint stakes at Naples Fort Myers for the Everett kennel and owenr Vince Berland.. The 26-month old male is trained by Kelly Everett and won two of his qualifiers. Dimarco also clocked the second fastest time (29.88) in the stakes series-just .02 from the best time of 29.86 by KB’s Crockett formally racing at Dubuque, IA. 

Bet I Can has been shipped from Southland where his last race was in November. The brother of last year’s Distance Classic champion Brother Buck makes his Derby Lane debut over the 550-yard course in the first race Saturday night. Bet I Can began his career at Soutland and is eyeing his fourth birthday in May. Click on the link below to learn more about the Saturday night Fantasy game

http://fgrl.org/

 

Holiday Challenge champion TMC's Roxslide is this month's cover pup on the National Greyhound Review Magazine on sale NOW at the 4th floor host desk. Not shown in the photo is Southland stakes champion SE's Jet Fuel that shares the cover. Both greyhounds scored big over the longer distance in December.

Eddie and Rhonda McDonald of TX flew into St. Petersburg and watched their champ score the victory for trainer John "Jay" Graham. It was the second time the McDonald's scored a win in the $75,000 stakes.

TMC's Roxslide holds the season's fastest time this year over the 660-yard course of 37.21. Also featured in the magazine is Red Oak Racing's Fall Juvenile win with Flying Soriano, Patriot kennel's dominating meet along with top dog Venus Espinosa and Lily Rose's Inaugural win. Congratulations to everyone.

 

 

Derby Lane track handicapper and announcer
Jim Peake is chasing the million in Vegas
Vera will be talking dogs on Round Up the Hounds Radio show WKKX AM 1600 at 12:30 pm, est Saturday January 26
American Greyhounds is holding auction to benefit FGA this weekend
Don’t forget to enter the weekly Fantasy Greyhound League game hosted by KCImagemakers

It is a big weekend both on and off track at Derby Lane. Fans in Vegas will be watching and wagering on our races via simulcast, but could get a glimpse of our famous Track Announcer Jim Peake who is the only Greyhound player to win a seat in this weekend’s National Handicapping Contest for thoroughbred players. The event is put on by the Daily Racing Form and sponsored by them as well as Treasure Island Casino where the Vegas event is being held. Jim Peake has made the finals of and won many handicapping tournaments over the years, but the NHC14 would be his biggest score ever! “Yeah I am pretty nervous among the company that is here,” said Peake on Friday via telephone. “What an opportunity I have and of course I have to give our Greyhounds a few plugs while I am here.”  The contest runs Friday and Saturday. First place prize is a guaranteed million to the best horse handicapper. Good Luck Peake! 

And while Jim Peake a.k.a. voiceofdl on twitter, is in Vegas chasing the million, I (Vera Rasnake) will have the opportunity to promote the sport on Round Up The Hounds with host Sam Zavatsky Saturday at 12:30 pm, est. The popular show hails from my hometown area and the first racetrack I ever worked at. The show is broadcast from the Wheeling Island Casino formerly knows as Wheeling Downs. There’s nothing better than talking dogs and catching up on the area happenings, which currently snow is the topic there. The show is broadcast locally in Wheeling and streams live audio. I hope some of my friends still in Wheeling will tune in as well as the nationwide greyhound community.

One of the hats that I wear in my position here at Derby Lane is Director of Media Relations. I am proud to promote the sport that I have been involved with since 1978. Greyhounds are athletes and I know first hand how responsible trainers care for the animals, as I am a former trainer. This weekend American Greyhounds is hosting a benefit auction to aid in the fight against animal radicals that continue to spread misleading information about our sport. There are many items that appeal to the owner, breeder and race enthusiast. Click on the link for all the auction information that will benefit Florida Greyhound Association.
 http://americangreyhounds.com/forum/

Each week Greyhound fans around the globe join in and play the Fantasy Greyhound League game featuring Derby Lane. It is hosted by Kcimagemakers that are avid Greyhound supporters and adopted Derby Lane after their track in Kansas City was closed. We appreciate all of the support. Last week we had 62 entries. Thank you for your support. To enter or learn more information click on the link below. Good luck everyone!
http://fgrl.org/

 

Lily Rose scores second stakes in Matinee Idol

When Gertrude Stein wrote ‘Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose’ in her 1913 poem Sacred Emily, she may not have been writing about Greyhound racing, but the meaning most attributed to her poem sums up Derby Lane’s Lily Rose. And that meaning attributed to it is when all is said and done, a thing is what it is. And according to Lily Rose’s co-owner Patty Floyd Lily is what she is- “the real deal” Pat said in the winner’s circle. Lily Rose who turned two years old last month collected her second stakes race title this year during the Martin Luther King matinee. The 29^th running of the stakes was held in the tenth race. Photo above Dir. Media Relations Vera Rasnake presents trainer Liz Dunnuck the winning plaque. Patty and Randy Floyd, Paula and Brian Baldwin and leadout Lisette Perez.

The stage was set for an exciting day that offered ten fans a chance to take home $250 each in cash drawings after races 1 through 10. Concession specials throughout the track and one of the most beautiful days of the year thus far offered the perfect backdrop for the stakes. Fans flocked for the festivities and roared loudly during each race. “It reminds me of the good old days,” said Marketing Director Fran Williamson shortly before the fourth race drawing. “This is really exciting to see the crowd gather at the fence to watch the races.”

The eight impressive athletes earned their posts in qualifiers. No Inflation (Marsella) broke on top, but was no match for Lily who took early charge from the outside eight-a post that pleased the Floyd’s based on the entries. “Our biggest fear was still Venus Espinosa,” said trainer Liz Dunnuck. Espinosa that was 2012’s top dog and Fall Sprint champ was the bet favorite despite his inside post. Espinosa was shutdown early in the race while Lily enjoyed a clean run that saw her finish in front by three clocking a 30.62 over the 550-yard course.

McAllister kennel’s Flyin Pink Floyd closed from sixth to finish second. No Inflation put forth a winning effort for his third place finish and Hambleton kennel’s Ed N Edmundo completed the superfecta. Venus Espinosa (Patriot), Kiowa Jordon Doc (O’Donnell), LK’s Now R Never (Lashmet) and Paint Miapicture (Capable) completed the field in that order.

Floyd & Porter kennel's Lily Rose’s victory was extra special for Randy and Patty Floyd because Lily Rose’s mother Miss Merle continues the legacy of Touche Baby that was the 2006 North America top brood that was also owned by the Floyds. Touche Baby won multiple stakes races for the Floyd’s and her litters were stakes winners and continue to produce fine pups. “We are just so proud of our pup (Lily Rose),” said Pat.

  

Venus Espinosa, Lily Rose highlight Monday’s Matinee Idol Stakes
29th annual Matinee Idol stakes Monday Jan. 21
Race 10-In Post Position Order
1-No Inflation-Marsella Kennel
2-Venus Espinosa-Patriot Kennel
3-Kiowa Jordan Doc-O'Donnell Kennel
4-Ed N Edmundo-Hambleton Kennel
5-Flyin Pink Floyd-McAllister Kennel
6-Paint Miapicture-Capabal Kennel
7-LK's Now R Never-Lashmet Kennel
8-Lily Rose-Floyd & Porter Kennel

For a second time this season the 2012 top dog Venus Espinosa and 2013 Inaugural champion Lily Rose will duel in a stakes race final. The 29^th annual Matinee Idol will be the feature presentation during the Monday January 21 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., matinee performance. Fans will enjoy free admission, concession specials, cash drawings and two of the track’s hottest sprinters vying for the stakes race title. The Wednesday matinee qualifiers produced this year’s eight finalists. The post draw for the eight will be held Friday night and posted immediately following right here on Vera’s News.

It will truly be a battle of the sexes when the six males that out-number the two phenomenal females go “paw to paw” in the $10,000 purse race Monday afternoon. Venus Espinosa from the top Patriot kennel is a crowd pleaser. Espinosa won the $50,000 Fall Sprint last October and finished among the nation’s top win leaders despite missing the first three and a half-months of racing in 2012. And since his October 24, 2012 victory Venus has remained a consistent money finisher. Of those 19 races since Oct. the 76-pound male has won 12 of them boasting a 63% win record and 100% superfecta record for trainer Cal Holland, Jr.  Patriot kennel is looking for their first Matinee Idol stakes victory.

Liz Dunnuck that trains the Inaugural champion Lily Rose (Floyd & Porter) watched her star defy the odds and hold off Espinosa by a neck in the 88^th Inaugural stakes on January 5. Dunnuck is hoping her 66-pound powerhouse will repeat the feat and collect a second stakes title. The female is no stranger to stakes races. Last September she made it through four rounds of the Fall Sprint, but fell short of earning a post in the final. In November Lily upped the ante in the Fall Juvenile making the final and turned in an impressive winning effort as the runner up. The saying “three’s a charm” held true for Lily when she won the Inaugural. Although Lily was underestimated in the Inaugural fans didn’t make the same mistake. They made her the bet favorite and watched her win her qualifying round for a shot at the Matinee Idol title. The Floyd kennel won the 1991 Matinee Idol with SM Florida Gal.

Espinosa and Lily have been highly publicized, but winning the stakes will not be an easy feat against their strong rivals. The new Lashmet kennel proudly presents LK’s Now R Never that was Orange Park’s power pup last year. The Tom Artzer trained male was the bet favorite last month on Florida’s east coast in the OP Juvenile final. Now R Never was the 6-5 favorite over a foggy course. The youngster was crowded early and blocked late. Although he didn’t win the stakes Now R Never left the track with an impressive 83% money record. At OP the prolific pup powered his way to the top by winning all of his schoolers followed by five in a row taking him from grade M to grade A. LK’s Now R Never scored his top grade win as well and continued to post money finishes during his first 12 career starts of which 9 were wins. LK’s Now R Never is holding his own over the Derby Lane 550-yard oval. He has finished in the money 4 of 4 since his 2013 debut.

Another east coast rival that made Derby Lane his home track is No Inflation from the Marsella kennel that joined the roster last July. No Inflation won the $50,000 Arthur Rooney stakes at Palm Beach for trainer John Farmer. No Inflation has also done well in St. Pete by collecting a 79% money record. No Inflation competed in two rounds of last year’s Fall Sprint before being eliminated. With a few more months of racing under his belt the 75-pounder has made his way into his first Derby Lane stakes.

Pauline O’Donnell kennel’s Kiowa Jordan Doc recorded a season’s best 660-yard time of 37.40 on January 9. The dual distance performer was a finalist and a recent favorite in the $75,000 Holiday Challenge in December. Doc encountered trouble, but all wasn’t lost as Doc’s kennelmate TMC’s Roxslide won the race for trainer John Graham. Jordan Doc is a youngster to keep an eye on. Doc made it through four rounds of the Fall Juvenile stakes in November and just missed earning a post in the final despite his win. The 66-pound male’s dual distance talent will be a factor among those placing wagers on the race.

In 2008 McAllister kennel won the Matinee Idol with superstar Flying Stanley that was a household name. Stanley was the second Derby Lane Million Dollar winner that collected a record first place purse of $500,000 for the win. The Derby Lane Million stakes partnered with RLC to produce the single largest paying stakes in North America for two consecutive years 2006 and 2007-a record that still stands. Flying Stanley’s $640,000 career dollars put him at the top of the list for most career earnings by a Greyhound. Flyin Pink Floyd is the kennel’s hopeful for this year. Floyd was a finalist in the Inaugural and earned his post with a second place finish in qualifiers for trainer Gary Buckmaster. 

The Doug Flint trained Hambleton kennel’s Ed N Edmundo is seeking a ninth consecutive money finish in the Matinee Idol with hopes of a first stakes win. The beautiful white and red male has been a solid performer since last June dipping briefly out of the top ranking. Ed N Edmundo was a Fall Sprint finalist that finished a respectable fifth. He was just two and half-lengths off the victory at the wire. Edmundo could give the kennel a first Matinee Idol trophy if he gets a good clean break.

Capabal kennel has won the Matinee Idol twice. Their first came in 1999 with Skimar Thumper. Three years ago Aerial Battle scored the win for the kennel. With a lot of luck Paint Miapicture could give Belinda Parker a first stakes win this year. Last year Parker won the Sprint Classic with SE’s Chewie, who is owned by Chris Palmieri-the same owner of Paint Miapicture. The red fawn female was a long shot winner in her Inaugural qualifier that earned her a spot in her first stakes feature. Paint Miapicture will need to break well ahead of her rivals. She is the fourth finalist along with Lily Rose, Venus Espinosa and Flyin Pink Floyd that were showcased in the opening weekend Inaugural stakes. The 29th annual Matinee Idol is race 10 Monday afternoon. 

 

Venus Espinosa's kiss for luck in Matinee Idol qualifiers

Patriot kennel’s Venus Espinosa is competing Wednesday matinee Jan. 16 for a shot at a second stakes title. The qualifying rounds for the 29^th annual Matinee Idol will be held in races six and ten January 16. The top four finishers from each race will become this year’s finalists. Espinosa was the season win leader that wrapped up the Tampa at Derby Lane meet with an impressive 63% win record, despite missing the first three and a half-months of racing in 2012. What is the secret to his success? It could be the added affection topped with a kiss for luck (photo above by Vera Rasnake) from Espinosa’s trainer Cal Holland, Jr.,  

The 76-pound son of Kiowa Mon Manny x Sol Venus is track handicapper and announcer Jim Peake’s pick for the sixth race. Espinosa has won two of his three starts this year with hopes of capturing a second stakes title. The male won the $50,000 Fall Sprint and was a neck from scoring the win in the 88^th Inaugural on January 5. Flyin Pink Floyd (McAllister), Nefarious (D’Arcy), PJ Domo (Abernathy) and Paint Miapicture (Capable) were also Inaugural finalists. Marsella Racing’s No Inflation is also a race six contender. The male won the $50,000 Arthur Rooney St. Patrick’s Invitational on the east coast of FL at Palm Beach in 2012.  

The tenth race features O’Donnell kennel’s Kiowa Jordan Doc seeking three in a row. The male was a finalist in the $75,000 Holiday Challenge in December. His previous two wins were over the 660-yard course. The male can close, but might not be a match for Inaugural champion Lily Rose who was an upset winner in the Inaugural. The female held off a stellar field of competitors including Venus Espinosa to score the win. Lily is also the early program favorite. Ed N Edmundo from Hambleton drew the coveted rail post and has won three of his past six races. The new Lashmet kennel has introduced their top grade star LK’s Now R Never that was undefeated from M to grade A at Orange Park. The impressive male was 20 of 24 in the money boasting a 66% quiniela record before his move to Derby Lane. He is three for three for owner Jill Lashmet.

  

Greyhounds preparing for 29th annual Matinee Idol to be held Monday Matinee January 21
This upcoming week will bring added excitement as kennels prepare to compete in the second stakes race of the year. The 29th annual Matinee Idol will be held MONDAY MATINEE JANUARY 21-during the special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., performance. The day will also include cash drawings. Ten fans will receive $250 if they are among the names drawn after races 1 through 10. Concession specials include .99 cent sodas and .99 cent hot dogs. There will be other food specials in the Poker Room, Derby Club 4 simulcast area and the Gallery Lounge. Admission is always free, as is general parking. Valet parking is available and free to handicapped individuals.

The qualifying rounds for the stakes race will be held Wednesday matinee January 16. Sixteen greyhounds from two races will make up the semifinals fields. The top four finishers from each of the two races will compose this year's stake final. Last year Red Oak Racing won the stakes. This year the kennel has several to choose from. The Floyd & Porter kennel that recently won the Inaugural with Lily Rose is eyeing a second stakes. They won the Matinee Idol in 1991 with SM Florida Gal.  

 

Raines kennel chases lure of higher purses 

It has been a bittersweet start to the New Year at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg FL. The returning fans from the north bring a new excitement to the 88^th racing season, but the departure of the long time Raines kennel and trainers Ken and Jeanne Lesperance have left a void. The kennel’s 23-year span showcased many superstars that included top selling greyhounds from the NGA auctions. 

At Derby Lane owner Lester Raines first partnered with Greyhound Hall of Famer R. L. “Tex” Block running under R. L. Block & Raines in 1989. The following year Raines went solo. For the next 22 years fans saw some of the best greyhounds in the nation debut in Raines kennel-many from his top purchases at the NGA auction. The kennel showcased many stars including Fortress Of Gold, USS Raceway, Ellen Ann, Soul Cipher, Greys Huntington and a recent three-year stakes spree in the Fall Juvenile by Kelsos Hathaway (2008), Career Goals (2009) and USS Gazillionair in 2010.

Kelsos Hathaway and his litter-brother Kelsos Scotsclan were impressive littermates who were prized pups that competed in the 2008 Fall Juvenile won by Hathaway. According to Jeanne Lesperance (photo above with the pair) the two males were as close to identical twins as could be. “Of course their ear tattoos mark them, but if you didn’ t know their personalities you would always have to check their ears to tell them apart,” said Jeanne during a 2008 interview.  

Raines departed for Southland Greyhound Park in Arkansas just after Christmas.  The purses are three to four times higher in AR due to the added revenue from the casino style gaming. In an interview in the January 5 edition of the Tampa Bay Times Jeanne Lesperance reported that five kennels (at Southland Park) ran out more than $1 million last year. She said that if former Florida Governor Charlie Crist had not given the gaming monopoly to the Indians then the points at Derby Lane would not have steadily dropped. Lesperance loved living in St. Petersburg and cited that higher earnings is the single reason for the move. 

Lester Raines is the fourth major operator to leave for higher purses during the past three years. Charter Kennel, Randy Finegan and Julie Ward were top owners that also left to join rosters at casino tracks. Raines kennel was rapidly replaced by Lashmet kennel that finished third place at Jacksonville in 2012. The addition of Lashmet kennel keeps the roster at sixteen for the January through June 2013 meet.

Click on the link below to read the full Tampa Bay Times article
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/parimutuels/gaming-limits-cost-derby-lane-third-kennel/1269063

 

Lily Rose upsets in St. Petersburg Inaugural

Derby Lane celebrated the new season with the staple St. Petersburg Inaugural. The 88^th running of North America’s longest running stakes was held January 5^th. Both on and off-track fans were hosted and witnessed the elite eight vying for the coveted title. Five males and three females made up the event that saw Floyd & Porter kennel’s Lily Rose (Kiowa Sweet Trey x Miss Merle) hold off late pressure to win by a neck. “I was pretty excited to watch her (Lily Rose) hold off Venus Espinosa at the wire,” said trainer Liz Dunnuck. “Lily was pretty amazing.” Dunnuck is the youngest trainer to have ever won a stakes at Derby Lane. At 18, Liz was training in the McAllister kennel and was just five days into her 19^th birthday when Turbo Penske won the 2006 Tampa Derby. Above photo: Richard Winning VP of Derby Lane presented the trophy to Liz Dunnuck. Patr and Randy Floyd and Paula & Brian Baldwin. Leadout is Chris Graddy presenting Lily Rose.

Dunnuck is humble when her successful stats are presented. She has written her own chapters at the historic facility that began when Flying Stanley won the 2007 Derby Lane Million Dollar stakes and Flying Larussa scored the Consolation. The Derby Lane Million was the richest in the sport that offered $500,000 to the winning greyhound-the largest winning purse in North America. Along with RLC, Derby Lane continues to be the only track in the world to host a single Million Dollar stakes race. It was held two years in a row in 2006 and 2007.

Like her predecessor Cal Holland, Jr. that moved from Floyd & Porter to Patriot, Liz moved from McAllister to Floyd & Porter where she has collected a first stakes in their employment and a new chapter begins for Dunnuck that celebrated her 26^th birthday Christmas Day. “We are lucky to have had good trainers and having Liz on board is wonderful,” said Pat Floyd. “She has been around greyhounds since she was born and they (greyhounds) just love her.”

The two-year old Lily Rose was a semifinalist in the Fall Sprint and was the runner-up in the Fall Juvenile in November. Lily Rose hails from Floyd’s top producing female Touche Baby's bloodlines. Touche Baby was the 2006 North American top brood. Lily Rose’s mother Miss Merle is a Touche Baby daughter. Kiowa Sweet Trey that won the same Inaugural stakes in 2002 sired Lily Rose. This is the second time the Floyd’s have captured an Inaugural. Their first was during the 2005-06 season with Joe Hearns that was whelped from Touché Baby.

Lily Rose paid $22.60 to win for the Inaugural upset over Patriot’s Venus Espinosa that finished second. She (Lily) coursed the oval in 30.85. Lily broke to the front in her box-to-wire victory and avoided the first turn trouble. McAllister kennel wasn’t as lucky and the kennel’s historic attempt at a threepeat was halted when Flyin Pink Floyd collided and fell in the first turn. The complete order of finish was Lily Rose (Floyd & Porter), Venus Espinosa (Patriot), SE’s Home Owner (Red Oak), Paint Miapicture (Capabal), Nefarious (D’Arcy), PJ Domo (Abernathy) and Flyin Pink Floyd (McAllister).

The longest running stakes race in North America is Saturday January 5. Race posts and story below. We're giving away cash Saturday night too. Gates open 6:30pm. Post time 7:30pm.

88th Annual St. Petersburg Inaugural Race 10
In Post Position order
1-SE's Home Owner (Kiowa WW Brother x SE's Fancy Pants) Red Oak Racing-owner Richard Armington-trainer Alex Hall
2-KB's Epic Win (FMC's Wake Up x Bold Whisper) Cal Holland kennel, owner Helen Godby-trainer Justin Holland
3-Flyin Pink Floyd (Dragon Fire x Kay V Say Who) McAllister kennel, owner Vince Berland-trainer Gary Buckmaster
4-PJ Domo (BB Be Cool x Craigie Dodgin) Abernathy kennel, owner Haber Kennels, Inc.-trainer Kayruth Abernathy
5-Paint Miapicture (Flying Hydrogen x Legend Of Zorro) Capabal kennel, owner Chris Palmieri-trainer Belinda Parker
6-Lily Rose (Kiowa Sweet Trey x Miss Merle) Floyd & Porter kennel, owner Randy Floyd-trainer Liz Dunnuck
7-Venus Espinosa (Kiowa Mon Manny x Sol Venus) Patriot kennel, owner Vincent Savill & Smith Greyhounds-trainer Cal Holland, Jr.
8-Nefarious (Dodgem By Design x Akoya Pearl) D'Arcy kennel, owner Ryan Farms kennel-trainer Catherine D'Arcy
A look at the finalists:
The stakes field is divided evenly with four males and four females seeking the title. Four of the kennels have won at least one Inaugural stakes. And in the past decade only one female has captured the title. McAllister kennel's Flying Stanley won the 2008 stakes followed by Flying Mancini's 2009 victory that returned the title to a female after a seven-year male reign. McAllister's entry was elminated in 2010 keeping him from a third title. n 2011 McAllister began a new streak with Flying Coal City. The exceptional male was dubbed the "coal train" and his popularity grew across North America. Flying Coal City's highly publicized races by track handicapper and announcer Jim Peake added to the greyhound's popularity.

Coal City's dual distance races earned him the rare Triple Crown title and a coveted cover shot on the front of the National Greyhound Review Magazine (above photo). McAllister won the race last year with another popular star Tiger Boy. McAllister kennel is poised for a historic mark if their entry Flyin Pink Floyd gets his way tonight. Only one kennel in the previous 87 Inaugural races has won the title three consecutive years. Fred Whitehead kennel won the race in 1964, 65 and 66. Ruston won first in 64 followed by Como that won back-to-back Inaugurals. McAllister would like to become the second kennel in the stakes history to accept triple championships and fans could witness history tonight. 

Floyd & Porter kennel won the stakes during the 2005/06 meet with Joe Hearns that went on to become a finalist in the very first Derby Lane Million that marked the richest Greyhound stakes race in the world. The historic race was viewed world wide and attracted over 10,000 on track.  Lily Rose is the kennel hopeful this year. She is the only entry tonight that is sired by a previous Inaugural champ. Lily's sire Kiowa Sweet Trey won the Inaugural in 2002. 

D'Arcy kennel's Nefarious could get back to his winning ways. Before his Inaugural qualifier he racked up three in a row. The kennel won the stakes in 2010 with Sovereign Lord. Nefarious was a finalist in last year's Matinee Idol stakes. 

It's been a while for Abernathy kennel that accepted the winning trophy for their 1994 champion LPD Makers Mark. Their entry is PJ Domo that turned in an unexpected performance in his qualifying race. Domo needs a fast break and a little luck to prevail in this field.

The next four kennels hope they will win a first Inaugural. Red Oak Racing drew the coveted rail post with SE's Home  Owner. The young male competes in his 20th career start with last year's stakes winning Venus Espinosa. The Patriot kennel superstar also finished the meet on top with 31 wins for the year-despite missing the first three months of racing. Espinosa will be the favorite and is seeking four in a row and a first stakes win in the New Year along with a first Inaugural title for Patriot kennel. 

Justin Holland who trains the Cal Holland kennel owned by his grandfather Cal Sr., will go "paw to paw" with his father Cal Jr., that trains for Patriot. Justin's entry KB's Epic Win boasts nice stats from 2012 and just needs to get a clean break to be competitive. A victory would be a first Inaugural for Cal Holland kennel.  

Capabal kennel's Paint Miapicture proved that opportunity can knock at anytime. The male was a longshot winner in his qualifying race which saw him avoid trouble for a box to wire run. He could repeat tonight. Good Luck Everyone!

Venus Espinosa continues winning spree and earns post in 88th Inaugural stakes Saturday
Patriot kennel's top sprinter Venus Espinosa wrapped up 2012 as the win leader with 31 wins in St. Petersburg despite missing the first three and a half-months of racing. Espinosa's 31 wins ranked 8th in the nation with three other greyhounds winning the same amount. Topping the chart was J's Robin from Orange Park with 47 wins. Robin is currently racing at Naples. Espinosa's qualifying win was no surprise, but Capabal kennel's Paint Miapicture was the longshot that earned her post by winning race six. She paid $40 to win.  Lily Rose (Floyd & Porter), Nefarious (D'Arcy), PJ Domo (Abernathy), Flyin Pink Floyd (McAllister), KB's Epic Win (Cal Holland) and SE's Home Owner (Red Oak) all qualified for the stakes race final. Post positions for the draw will be held in the Racing Secretary's office Thursday night January 3 at approximately 6:30 PM. The results of the draw will be listed here on my news afterwards.

 

Kennels prepare for 88th annual Inaugural stakes race
We are wrapping up the Tampa at Derby Lane meet. Our Holiday schedule is listed on the home page of the site. It appears there is no stopping the Patriot kennel from taking top honors for the meet. And their Fall Sprint Champion Venus Espinosa looks to be the one to grab the "tog dog" award, too.

I would like to remind everyone that all of our Jackpots will be forced out during our special Monday matinee New Years Eve card on Monday December 31. We will offer racing during the matinee only. Post time is 12:30PM. Poker and simulcast wagering will continue in the Derby Club building Monday night.

O'Donnell kennel wrapped up the final stakes race of the year with TMC's Roxslide over the 660-yard course. The focus now switches back to the 550-yard course where kennels will enter their best sprinter for the 88th annual St. Petersburg Inaugural. The qualifying semifinal rounds are Wednesday night January 2. The first four finishers from each of the two heats will fill the eight slots for this year's race on Saturday night January 5. The St. Petersburg Inaugural is the longest running stakes race in North America. There is also a CASH giveaway January 5th and admission is FREE.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a blessed New Year!