National Greyhound Association
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Stan Pawloski
Dec 1, 2025
Youngsters took the spotlight Saturday afternoon, Nov. 29, at Wheeling Island.
The initial $5,000 Wheeling-National Greyhound Association Future Stars Preview stakes featured a handpicked field of eight greyhounds purchased at the 2025 NGA Fall Meet auction in October in Abilene, KS. Each had shown promise in their schooling and Maiden races in Wheeling.
Shining the brightest in the Future Stars Preview stakes event was Dont Mind If Ido.
An April 2024 greyhound out of CET Dirty Dan-Barts Readyornot, the Charter Kennel pup exploded out of the box, rushed to an early lead and romped to a 5 ½-length victory in 30.48. Taking runner up honors was Lee Helga (Steve Sarras Kennel) while Whole Truth (Patriot/Taplin Kennel) rounded out the trifecta ticket.
The top three finishers never changed positions after hitting the backstretch.
Charter Kennel trainer James Campbell had confidence in his young sprinter Dont Mind If Ido.
“Even though it was a nice field of pups, I liked her chances. She needed to get out of the box,” Campbell said. “Once on the lead, I wasn’t too concerned about her getting caught, but you never know in racing.”
In two schooling races, Dont Mind If Ido won by 5 and 3 ½ lengths, extending her leads in both in the homestretch.
Completing the Future Stars Preview order of finish were Newsheriffntown (Steve Sarras Kennel), fourth; WW Expressway (Wayne Ward Kennel), fifth; Chef’s Kiss (Lester Raines Kennel), sixth; WW Late Night (Wayne Ward Kennel), seventh; and WW Head Together (Wayne Ward Kennel), eighth.
Dont Mind If Ido was purchased at the NGA Fall Meet by Ray Wong. He owns or is a partner in several other greyhounds racing at Wheeling.
“I am happier for Ray (Wong) than I am for myself after the stakes victory,” Campbell said. “Ray is one of the great guys in the greyhound business. He’s a top-notch gentleman.”
Sent to post at 6-1 odds, Dont Mind If Ido returned $14.60 on a $2 win wager. The 3-5 quiniela paid $77.60, the 3-5 perfecta returned $194.60, the 3-5-4 trifecta paid $745.60 and the 3-5-4-2 superfecta returned $3,528.20.
Campbell feels Dont Mind If Ido has a lot of potential.
“I have high hopes for her,” Campbell said. “She’s spit and vinegar … full of energy and determination.”
The idea of the Future Stars Preview was drawn up by NGA Executive Director Jim Gartland. Funding for the stakes was provided by the NGA and Wheeling.
Charter Kennel youngster Dont Mind If Ido is all alone as she races to victory Saturday, Nov. 29, in the Wheeling-NGA Future Stars Preview at Wheeling Island. (Photo by Matt Schumitz)
Dont Mind If Ido captured the Wheeling-NGA Future Stars Preview at Wheeling Island Saturday afternoon, Nov. 29. In the winner’s circle with the champion, from left, are Sara Roeder, trainer James Campbell and lead out Cadie Collins. (Photo by Matt Schumitz)