ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. –Barts Mr Peabody had to finish strongly to earn a berth in the $50,000 Husker Magic Fall Sprint championship race this past Saturday at Derby Lane.

He did exactly that.

The Bartley Corporation kennel greyhound rallied for a two-length victory in the fourth and final qualifying round, ensuring himself a berth in the 550-yard finale set for Saturday night.

The other qualifying race was won by Capabal kennel’s Brian Ernst, who finished as the point leader at 56.

Barts Mr Peabody, a 35-month-old male from a litter by Pat C Clement and Barts Autumn Sky, had to win his qualifier to advance. He entered with only 16 points, and the 16 points he collected with his 23rd career victory put him in position to win his second lifetime stakes. His first title – the $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile in October 2016 – gave kennel owners Rick and Rhonda Bartley their only stakes crown thus far at Derby Lane.

Barts Mr Peabody’s winning time was 31.06 seconds under trainer Ken Brotherton. He paid $5 to win as the 3-2 wagering favorite.

Brian Ernst, a 27-month-old son of Street Credit and Kelsi Purcell, became the only greyhound to win three qualifying races with a five-length triumph in 30.73 seconds. He paid $5.60 to win as the second betting favorite. Owned by Raymond Thurber and trained by Belinda Parker, Brian Ernst has 20 career victories for kennel operator Henry Parker.

Post positions for the eight-dog finale will be announced later this week. First place pays $22,000