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< Back TRAINERS THRILLED, PROUD OF ALL-AMERICA HONOREES Stan Pawloski Mar 31, 2021 Abrahamson Kennel’s CG’s Penny Shoe and Blanchard Kennel’s L’s Luv It, both all-Wheeling selections, are All-Americans. Recently, the National Greyhound Association announced the 2020 All-American teams with CG’s Penny Shoe earning first team honors while L’s Luv It was named to the second team. Both sprinters were recognized on the 2020 all-Wheeling team earlier this year. The naming of the All-America teams started in 1963 and pays tribute to the top greyhounds in the country. Historically voted on by members of the American Greyhound Track Operators Association, the award process was turned over to the National Greyhound Association in 2019. The 2020 All-American first team is dominated by competitors from Southland Greyhound Park – unquestionably the toughest racetrack in the country. Joining CG’s Penny Shoe on the first team are JS Flamin Ace (Southland), Chillaxification (Southland), World Ruler (Southland), Air Ace (Southland), LK’s Santorini (Derby Lane), Flying Zulu (Southland) and FGF Mathias (Southland). CG’s Penny Shoe, an October 2017 greyhound out of Jax Oxford-CG’s Marla, had a spectacular year of racing in 2020 in West Virginia. At Tristate Greyhound Park, the sprinter was the track win champion and at Wheeling Island he captured the track’s featured stakes event – the $100,000 Mountaineer Classic Sprint – as well as making the final of the West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Panhandle Sprint Stakes. Todd Johnson, CG Penny Shoe’s trainer at Tristate, was ecstatic when he heard the sprint star made first team All-American. “I am tickled to death, so excited, so cool. It’s an honor to train a greyhound like Penny Shoe – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Johnson said. “I am so proud of him. He’s without a doubt the best greyhound I have ever trained.” In 34 Grade AA starts at Tristate, CG’s Penny Shoe had 24 wins, 3 seconds and 5 thirds. In one stretch of 22 races, he had 19 wins – 12 in a row – 1 second and 2 thirds. “Once Penny Shoe gets a clear look at the lure and out on top, the race is over,” Johnson added. CG’s Penny Shoe came up to Wheeling in late September to compete in the Mountaineer Classic and WVGOBA Sprint. In 12 Wheeling starts, he had 2 wins, 3 seconds and 3 thirds. His magical moment came in the Mountaineer Classic final where he closed deep in the stretch to catch frontrunner TNT Free Falling to capture Wheeling’s featured stakes event of the year by 1 ½ lengths. “Nobody expected a West Virginia bred to come up to Wheeling and upset all the great Wheeling greyhounds,” Johnson said. CG’s Penny Shoe was trained in Wheeling by Tom Engle, who thought the sprinter’s accomplishments deserved consideration for All-America honors. “I am so proud of Penny Shoe and so happy for his owners, Neil and JC (Abrahamson). Being named All-American is quite an honor,” Engle said. “A lot of the credit for Penny Shoe’s success goes to trainer Todd Johnson in Tristate.” Johnson was quick to spread the credit. “A lot of people had a hand in Penny Shoe’s success – from Jack Stolirchick who raised him the first year in West Virginia, Howard Mosier who finished his training in Florida and trainer Tom Engle in Wheeling,” Johnson said. CG’s Penny She is the second All-American the Abrahamsons have owned. The first was DD’s Nelson in 1987 – arguably the best greyhound to ever race at Wheeling. “We are so excited and so proud of what Penny Shoe achieved last year. It was an exciting year,” Neil Abrahamson said. “It’s a great honor to own a greyhound named an All-American – our first since DD’s Nelson.” Joining L’s Luv It on the 2020 All-American second team are Rasta (Iowa/Southland), LK’s Crush N It (Derby Lane), Killer Tolstoy (Naples/Iowa/Southland), JD Elegant (Iowa/Southland), Bug Brush (Palm Beach/Southland), FGF Avenger (Southland) and Abbi’s Frontman (Palm Beach). L’s Luv It, an August 2016 greyhound out of KC And All-L’s Morgan, has been a mainstay in the Blanchard Kennel the last three years. In 2020, the sprinter made the final of the $100,000 Mountaineer Classic Sprint Stakes and was tied for third at the track in victories. The second team All American recognition came as a surprise to trainer James Blanchard. “I didn’t expect Luv It to make an All-American team, it came as a surprise,” Blanchard said. “It’s definitely a great honor and I am super proud of her. She’s had a remarkable racing career at Wheeling.” Last year, L’s Luv It had 14 wins, 9 seconds, 5 thirds and 7 fourths in 44 starts – an 80 percent mark on the superfecta ticket and a 64 percent trifecta finish. She was the first greyhound ever to make the final of the Mountaineer Classic Sprint Stakes and be named all-Wheeling for three straight seasons. Blanchard had thoughts of retiring the sprint dandy a couple times in 2020, but “each time L’s Luv It got hot. She still had the desire to compete.” In the Mountaineer Classic, L’s Luv It won three out of her four qualifying round races before experiencing a tough trip in the final. L’s Luv It was retired after two races in 2021, going out a winner. “It was special when L’s Luv It retired with a Grade AA win in her last race. That doesn’t happen very often,” Blanchard said. “Besides her talent, she was fortunate to stay healthy most of her career.” Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as August 1, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Aug 1, 2022 Lester Raines Kennel’s JS Slush Fund has won three out of her last four Grade AA races for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate JS Kickinupmudd has back-to-back wins (B, A). Imark Kennel’s Chico Man has three victories and two seconds in his last five Grade TAA 3/16 starts for trainer DiAnn Derr. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Xtrem Kitty Cat has captured three out of her last four outings (A, AA) for trainer Jill Spicer. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Marlyn Mason has four straight wins (C, B, A, AA) for trainer Louise Strong. Kennel-mate Classofmyown has back-to-back victories (B, A). Charter Kennel’s KB’s Blaster has two straight Grade AA wins for trainer James Campbell. Blanchard Kennel’s Artex Comiskey has two victories and a second in his last three trips (B, A) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. A Ray Kennel’s AMF Hope has won three out of her last four races (M, D, C) for trainer Joe Palmer. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of September 21, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Sep 21, 2020 Abrahamson Kennel’s Atascocita Berta has won three out of her last four starts (A, AA) for trainer Tom Engle. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s TNT Free Falling (AA) and GF La Duena (TAA 3/16) have two wins and a second in their last three outings for trainer Joe Otto. Steve Sarras Kennel’s Me No Care has two victories and two seconds in his last four trips (A, AA) for trainer Barb Long. Jacobs Kennel’s VIP Yankee (AA) and Abbi’s Eagle (B, A) have back-to-back wins for trainer Alisha Nichols. Kennel-mate RR Naples has captured three out of his last four races (D, C, B). Blanchard Kennel’s Easi Lil Charlie has two victories and a second in her last three starts (B, A) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Previous Next

< Back PBKC PRESENTS ROUND-THREE ACTION IN THE $50,000 JAMES W. PAUL 3/8THS MILE DERBY Feb 18, 2020 West Palm Beach, Fl. – After an exciting set of second round qualifiers, round-three action for the 89th and final running of Palm Beach Kennel Club’s $50,000 James W. Paul Three-Eighths Mile Derby takes place Wednesday afternoon, February 13. Four qualifying races will be held, with the top 16-point earners advancing to the semifinals Sunday afternoon, February 23. After two rounds of qualifying, only one entry has a shot of entering the semifinals undefeated, Koppe, Staats & Collins Kennel’s Pat C Snickers (Pat C Clement – Pat C Deception). A quick look at the round-three qualifiers: Race 10 : This event features three athletes who drew in favorable post positions, #1 O Ya Praire Wind (Oya Stan The Man – O Ya Chewie, Lester Raines Kennel), #6 JD Android (JD Titanium – Allisonracinteam, Brindle) and #7 Buyusumnewshoes (Superior Panama – Joy Giovanni, Rader Racing). All three have already secured a spot in the semifinals, but it is important to build up that point total to be guaranteed a slot in the finale. Race 12 : There’s no doubt that the fan favorite will be #7 B’s Cappuccino (SH Avatar – Oaks Mocha, Janie Carroll). Sandwiched between the slow slowest breakers in the race will give Cappuccino a clear shot at garnering the early lead. Race 14 : The post-time favorite appears to be #3 Slatex Beretta (Flying Fired Up – Slatex Albany, Janie Carroll). With two of the race’s slowest breakers to her immediate right, Beretta should be able to outrush the competition to the first turn. However, keep a keen eye on #2 NB’s Bloodsister (Trent Lee – NB’s Classic Cat, Royal Racing Team) who has a legitimate shot at getting loose early. Race 15 : This contest features the only undefeated Derby entry, #4 Pat C Snickers , and in actuality, this could be the easiest field she has faced in qualifying. A crisp and clean break most likely will lead Snickers to the semifinals with a clean record. Post time for the first race Wednesday afternoon is 1:00 p.m. The $50,000 James W. Paul 3/8ths Three-Eighths Mile Championship final will be contested Saturday afternoon, February 29, and is one of the nation’s longest-running stake events. The Derby is named in honor of humanitarian, greyhound owner and dedicated supporter of greyhound adoption James W. Paul. Previous Next

< Back KAIAS ALEX IS MR. CONSISTENT Oct 5, 2020 Consistency: Unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time. The Google definition doesn’t mention Kaias Alex. Perhaps it should. Turn the calendar back to Dec. 14, 2019. On that Saturday night performance, Kaias Alex broke slowly in Race 9, got bumped on the first turn, and finished fifth – 9-1/2-lengths behind BD Wells in a Grade A 550-yard sprint. Something changed after that for the Floyd kennel athlete. “He’s matured,’’ kennel operator and trainer Randy Floyd said. “He’s just gotten better. I thought he was pretty good, but not this good.’’ Twenty-three races and more than nine months later, Kaias Alex has added consistency to his resume. Not one effort worse than third place, a remarkable streak among the best Grade A sprinters that Derby Lane has to offer. Owned by George ‘’Dick’’ Adler of Lecanto, Fla., Kaias Alex has 13 wins, nine seconds, and one third since Dec. 20. Not even a coronavirus pandemic that sidelined all Derby Lane dogs for seven weeks has stopped his momentum. “He’s just a happy and friendly dog,’’ Floyd said. “The whole litter is that way. I told Dick this whole litter is just a pleasure to handle. They just want some attention.’’ Kaias Alex has never been better. In September, he recorded a career-high six-race win streak, beating rivals by a total of 28 lengths. The streak ended this past Tuesday with a second-place effort, but he returned to the winner’s circle on Saturday with a box-to-wire 7-length triumph. The 39-month-old son of Djays Octane and Ethereal Elation has won 24 of 60 races overall since starting his career in February 2019, raising his in-the-money percentage to 80 percent that represents a top-four finish in a race. His versatility is reflected with 14 wins by leading at every race call, and 10 by coming from off the pace. “He breaks decent and he’s got a good rush to the turn,’’ Floyd said. “And then he wants to get out wide and on the outside, and get going. It’s been a while since anybody’s run him down.’’ The last time Kaias Alex gave up a lead was Dec. 27, when Super C Casino rallied from a 3-length deficit to defeat the 73-pound dog by a nose. Kaias Alex’s best time at 550 yards is 30.30 seconds on Jan. 15. Although Kaias Alex didn’t advance to Derby Lane’s top Grade A level until his 20th start, Floyd entered him in three stakes races in 2019: (third in the $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile; fifth in the $10,000 Thanksgiving; and unplaced in the $10,000 Howl-O-Ween). “I’m pleasantly surprised (at his success),’’ Floyd said. “I knew he could run. . . . It’s a matter if you get a chance to run. “There are so many good dogs (at Derby Lane), you’ve got to be lucky to get out of the box and get around the turn. That’s the name of the game.’’ Previous Next

< Back WHEELING YEAR IN REVIEW: 2021 HANDLES SOAR, TRACK HIGHLIGHTS Stan Pawloski Jan 18, 2022 The 2021 greyhound racing season at Wheeling Island produced record handles following the closure of all the Florida racetracks at the end of 2020. Wheeling Island handled $237 million on greyhound racing in 2021 compared to a handle of $75 million in 2019 (last full season numbers available) – a 212 percent increase. In 2020, the track was closed for three months due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With a 20-race card in 2021, weekend handles surpassing a million dollars a program was commonplace as were $5 million handles a week. The exciting and fun-filled 2021 season had numerous highlights on the track, including the $100,000 Mountaineer Classic, two West Virginia bred stake events, a record-tying performance and win streaks which generated interest. In addition, several youngsters with promising futures opened their careers and the track experienced an influx of racers from other operations – notably the Florida tracks and Iowa late in the year. Top greyhound honors went to Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s AD Black Falcon, who posted 20 victories. Next in line with 19 wins each were Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Abbi’s Gusta Win, Lester Raines Kennel’s JS Slush Fund and Charter Kennel’s Oshkosh Heart. The Lester Raines Kennel, trained by Joel Roden, captured the 2021 kennel championship – making it back-to-back crowns. It was Raines’ third title in the last four years. In the $100,000 Mountaineer Classic in late October, Lester Raines Kennel’s Teaser’s Tickle took charge early and never looked back in winning the track’s featured stakes event by 2 ½ lengths in 29.58. Abbi’s Eagle (Jacobs Racing Kennel) took runner up honors while Penrose Boss (Blanchard Kennel) rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the final order of finish were RS’s Dark Night (Lester Raines Kennel), fourth; Ding Dong Ditch (Imark Kennel), fifth; Abbi’s Frontman (Jacobs Racing Kennel), sixth; CTW Black Forest (Steve Sarras Kennel), seventh; and Frappe (Blanchard Kennel), eighth. Teaser’s Tickle made track history in winning the Mountaineer Classic. Since the track opened in 1976, no other greyhound had ever captured a major stakes championship in just 14 career races. The old mark was held by Large Lee, who won the 2008 Firecracker Sprint in his 15th career trip. It was a remarkable run to the stakes crown for Teaser’s Tickle as the September 2019 greyhound out of Bella Infrared-Beautiful Tease entered the qualifying rounds without a single Grade AA race under his belt. After a seventh in the first round, Teaser’s Tickle romped to three straight wins by a combined 23 lengths to earn a spot in the final. In the $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile in September, Lester Raines Kennel’s RS’s Dark Night rocketed by the leaders on the backstretch before pulling away to a 5 ½-length victory in 29.81. JA’s Croft (Code Red Kennel) took runner up honors while Mac’s New York (A Ray Kennel) rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the final finish were RS’s Blue Heaven (Lester Raines Kennel), fourth; Mac’s Zhivago (A Ray Kennel), fifth; RS’s Prime Time (Lester Raines Kennel), sixth; Coach Wonder (Patriot/Taplin Kennel), seventh; and Mac’s Evita (A Ray Kennel), eighth. In the $65,000 WVGOBA Keystone Championship in November, Lester Raines Kennel’s RS’s Prime Time dominated the field in the final – finishing 5 lengths ahead of runner up CET Dirty Gurly (Steve Sarras Kennel) while JA’s Moon Man (Code Red Kennel) rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the Keystone final finish were Mac’s Choo (A Ray), fourth; Mac’s Zhivago (A Ray), fifth; GLS Fast Food (Jacobs Racing), sixth; Macs Chapman (A Ray), seventh; and RS’s Blue Heaven (Lester Raines), eighth. The longest winning streak during the 2021 racing season was five in a row by six greyhounds – Abbi’s Gusta Win (Jacobs Racing Kennel), Frappe (Blanchard Kennel), O Ya Trisha (Lester Raines Kennel), Oshkosh Heart (Charter Kennel), Imark Daria (Imark Kennel) and RS Big D (Lester Raines Kennel). Two greyhounds posted four straight wins twice in 2021 – O Ya Trisha (Lester Raines Kennel) and CTW Black Forest (Steve Sarras Kennel). Other racers with four victories in a row were AD Black Falcon (Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel), BO’s Owen (Blanchard Kennel), Easi Lil Charlie (Blanchard Kennel), FGF Ron Weasley (Charter Kennel), JS Wanna Bee (Lester Raines Kennel), JS Slush Fund (Lester Raines Kennel), JS In The Money (Rangel Kennel), KB’s Copy Kat (Charter Kennel), LK’s Sheridan (Steve Sarras Kennel), Pat C Paul (Rangel Kennel), Super Ollie (Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel) and Teaser’s Tickle (Lester Raines Kennel). The track’s 330-yard record time of 16.74, held since December 2015 by Lester Raines Kennel’s Atascocita Santo, was tied by Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s UBX Crackereater in November. UBX Crackereater, a January 2019 greyhound out of SH Avatar-Beautiful Tease, is owned by Cheyenne Criswell and Jason Hess. Previous Next

Board of Directors and Officers for the National Greyhound Association, governing dog racing in the United States. Meet The Board President - Director, District 3C Julia Ward NGA President District 2B - Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, Hawaii, Alaska, Missouri, Kansas, Mexico, Australia and Guam Vice President, District 1B Steve M. Sarras NGA Vice President District 1C—West Virginia Director, At Large (appointed) Michael Strickland Director, District 2A Vincent Savill District 2A—New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, District Of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. New Foundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, British Isles, Ireland and other foreign countries not mentioned herein Director, 1A Rob Gurley District 1B—Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. Director, 1A Rob Gurley District 1B—Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. Director, District 2B Byron Jay Childs District 3A—Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas Director, District 3B Leslie Csokasy District 3B—Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.. Director, At Large (appointed) Joseph Fusaro . Director At Large (appointed) Victoria Phanco District 2C—North/NW Texas (Texas members not residing in District 2B), New Mexico and Oklahoma. Executive Consultant James Gartland National Greyhound Association Secretary - Treasurer Connie Karsmizki National Greyhound Association

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs (as October 17, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Oct 17, 2022 Charter Kennel’s Oshkosh Edward (AA) and Poker Laroo (TAA 3/8) have captured four out of their last five starts for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mates Jack Parkman has won three out of his last four Grade AA trips while Atta Boy Augus has back-to-back Grade TAA 3/16 wins. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Marlyn Mason has three straight Grade AA victories for trainer Louise Strong. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Xtrem Chicken has three wins and a second in her last four Grade TAA 3/16 races for trainer Jill Spicer. Code Red Kennel’s O Ya Paws has two victories and a second in his last three Grade AA starts for trainer Tom Engle. Blanchard Kennel’s Loyal Yogi has back-to-back Grade AA wins for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Tagliano has captured three out of his last four 3/8 outings (D, TC, TB) for trainer Joe Otto. Previous Next

< Back WHEELING KENNEL, WIN LEADER RACES TIGHT Stan Pawloski Aug 12, 2020 As the second half of the abbreviated 2020 racing season kicks in gear at Wheeling Island, there is a logjam atop the track’s kennel standings and win leaders. The racetrack reopened June 5 after a 12-week shutdown ordered by the state due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). It is believed to be the longest the racetrack has been shut down since the flood of 1996 when the operation was closed from mid-January until March 1. Through Sunday, Aug. 9 races, the top four kennels from 2019 once again occupy the top four spots in the standings this year although in a different order. Lester Raines holds the top spot with 205 victories on the year following closely by Jacobs Racing with 201 wins and defending champion Blanchard with 197 victories. Patriot/Taplin is fourth with 188 wins while rounding out the top five is Charter with 169. Sitting atop the track win leader board is sprinter JS Drinkmepretty (Lester Raines) with 10 victories in 20 starts – a 50 percent win percentage. Each of her victories have come against Grade AA competition. JS Drinkmepretty was third in wins last year with 19. Two greyhounds have posted nine wins each this year – CTW Tira Misu (Patriot/Taplin) and CTW Lotus Flower (Imark). With eight victories apiece are JSK Roulette (Jacobs Racing), WW Slick Simon (Wayne Ward), ZB Tremonti (Lester Raines), BGR Call Me Hank (Brad Boeckenstedt) and WW Spend A Lot (Wayne Ward). Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs (as December 5, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Dec 5, 2022 Steve Sarras Kennel’s CET Dirty Dan has 10 wins, including six in a row, and two seconds in his last 12 starts for trainer Jay Falcone. Charter Kennel’s Seven Summers has won four out of his last five Grade TAA 3/8 races for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate Atta Boy Angus has five wins and five seconds in his last 10 Grade TAA 3/16 trips. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Slatex Wine has captured four out his last five outings (A, AA) for trainer Louise Strong. Kennel-mate Marlyn Mason has back-to-back Grade AA victories. Lester Raines Kennel’s SNL Sir Liam has four wins and two seconds in his last six Grade AA starts for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates JS Atomic Dawg has four victories and a second in his last five trips (B, A, AA), O Ya Fame has back-to-back wins (A, AA) and JS Big Rig has three straight victories (M, D, C). Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Cuddlebug has won four out of her last five races (D, C, B, A) for trainer Ron Otto. Kennel-mate Oakland Handoff has captured three out of her last four outings (D, C, B). Rangel Kennel’s Pat C Knob has won three out of his last four 3/8 starts (TD, TC, TA) for trainer Alex Hall. Blanchard Kennel’s Easi Utley has captured three out of his last four races (M, C, B) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Imark Kennel’s Sharpdressedman has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer DiAnn Derr. Previous Next

< Back FLYING ZULU CATCHES FIRE IN RAZORBACK STAKES QUALIFYING Shane Bolender Aug 20, 2020 There were just three greyhounds undefeated after the round 2 cuts were made in the $70,000 Razorback Classic Stakes at Southland Casino Racing. FLYING ZULU wasn’t one of them. After round three, there were zero undefeated left. But the Kelly Everett trained entry for the Bussmann-Balakas kennel was the only entry to put together three straight wins from the original field of 64 and he has looked good in the process. As the qualifying rounds have progressed, he improved off an opening round 4th place finish to winning by increasingly larger margins, even though the competition has gotten tougher and tougher. In round 2 he held tough to a length lead in the stretch run to save him from possibly being cut from the field for round 3. In round 3 he rode a comfortable 5 ½ length win in box to wire style. In the semi-finals, although he didn’t break on top, he broke well and easily took the lead and never looked back, coasting home by nearly nine lengths. Those three victories to end qualifying not only assured him of an easy spot in the field of eight for the championship race this Friday evening, it made him the qualifying points leader. That isn’t to say he won’t face some stiff competition in the championship race though. Lester Raines Kennel’s O YA SNIPER can also claim three wins in four qualifying races, but a sixth place finish in round 2 cost him the top spot in qualifying points. The black 75 pound male is a early speed specialist and is tough to catch on the lead. Northshore Kennel’s OD AXELSKATER was an unknown talent and was actually in grade B when qualifying began. That stay in B was short lived, as well as his first official start in Grade “A” when he won his first two qualifying rounds. He finished off qualifying with two solid third place efforts to coast into the championship third overall with 44 points. JS KING KUNTA (Mike Harris Kennel) was amongst the leaders after the first two rounds of qualifying when he chalked up a win and asecond place effort. He was in contention in round three before fading back to a sixth place finish putting him on the edge of making even the consolation field. Those fears were put to rest in the semi-finals when he got back to his winning ways, landing him in a tie for fourth place for total qualifying points. The other greyhound involved in the tie was SUPER C CHILLY, the second of three Lester Raines Kennel finalists. This blue brindle all but had a championship race spot locked in after the first three rounds where he earned two victories and a runner-up effort. It was a good thing he didn’t need any more points to make the championship race, as he ended up running sixth in the semi-finals. He will look to get back into form on Friday evening. There was a tie for sixth place in the standings as well, led by CTW CROSSFIRE (Steve M. Sarras Kennel) who boosted himself into the championship primarily on the heels of two victories during qualifying. He added a couple of fourth place finishes as well, which was sorely needed as the cut line for making the championship ended up being an abnormally high 37 points. Lester Raines final entry, O YA DREAM ON had just one victory in qualifying, but added a couple of solid second place efforts to sit good going into the semi-finals. He needed to finish at least 5th to sneak into one of two finals spots, but did one spot better (fourth) to earn some breathing room. Speaking of that final spot, JACK KNIGHT with 37 qualifying points earned that distinction of “last one in” and that seemed to be the theme for him throughout qualifying. The 70 pound black male just made the first cut of the field after race two behind a third and fourth place effort, earning just 12 points in that process. He needed to earn a victory and no worse than a second place effort in the last two round to earn a spot in the field, and that ended up being exactly what he did. If you believe in destiny for a greyhound to upset the world in a stakes race, he got a bonus for the championship when the rail runner drew the coveted #1 box for the big race. With no undefeated greyhounds, the race is a bit wide open for just about anybody to come and earn the first stakes championship of the COVID-19 interrupted season. With the exception of O YA SNIPER and SUPER C CHILLY, the rest of the field is sitting pretty good with their post positions to make a bid for it. O YA SNIPER has the early foot to overcome his spot and SUPER C CHILLY ran first and second from outside post positions during qualifying so it adds the parity of the field overall. Make sure to catch this exciting race which is slated as race #11 on the Friday evening performance. The consolation race will proceed the championship as race #9 . Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs (as October 24, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Oct 19, 2022 Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Marlyn Mason has four straight Grade AA wins for trainer Louise Strong. Charter Kennel’s Atta Boy Angus has three victories and a second in his last four Grade TAA 3/16 races for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate Oshkosh Hermosa has back-to-back Grade TAA 3/8 wins. Steve Sarras Kennel’s Florentine has two victories and two seconds in his last four Grade AA trips for trainer Jay Falcone. Imark Kennel’s Imark Spot has back-to-back wins (A, AA) for trainer DiAnn Derr. Blanchard Kennel’s Dark Helmet has two straight 3/16 victories (B, TAA) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Lester Raines Kennel’s SNL Sir Luke has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer Joel Roden. Previous Next