2016 Palm Beach Labor Day Puppy Stakes Preview

After three weeks of intense and exciting tournament action, it's finally time to settle it on the field for the 20th running of the Labor Day Puppy Stakes at Palm Beach.  8 of the finest youngsters in the land will put it all on the line for the 20K top prize and the instant celebrity status that would follow. This all happens in Race 12 in Monday's Matinee card.

Here is a rundown of each athlete in the field and the odds we believe they will go off at come post time.

#1 Whirlin Toodlelu  ~ Douglas Kennel (3-1 Odds)

Will be the second favorite to Big Red Dog. Toodlelu is the best chance the Douglas Kennel has had for a stakes winner in a long time, as they won this Tourney way back in 2007 with Craigie O Nelly.  Toodlelu is exactly where she wants to be on the rail, as she blazed a 29.62 secs victory out of the 1 hole back on 8/13.  If Toodlelu gets the lead, it will be goodnight for everybody else as she had never been caught on the lead so far in her career. Can she get the lead at any point will be the huge question.

#2 Palm City Rosco  ~ B & B Racing  (8-1 Odds)

Rosco has really shown great form the past two races, particularly in the semifinals where he battled Clifford all the way around the track. Rosco may not win this, but is an absolute must on any exotic plays, as he has hit the board in all but one race this season (89%)

#3 CRT Nina  ~ Champions Racing Team  (9-1 Odds)

This may be the dog who has the best chance of lighting up the tote board.  Nina possesses the finest closing ability in this field and if she is anywhere near the lead at go time, she could steal this.

#4 Quick Reserve  ~ B & B Racing  (4-1 Odds)

The ultimate wild card.  This will be an all or nothing run for Quick, as she will either take home the 20K top prize, or completely miss the board.  Owner Steve Schlachter will be looking for his second Puppy Stakes title after winning the 2014 Spring Tournament with All-American Storm Control.

#5 Atascocita Kurly  ~ Suncoast Racing  (5-1 Odds)

This is the hound that puts fear into the favorites here.  Kurly has taken the lead in every single qualifying round race, only to cough it up coming for home.  If he takes the lead in this race once again, it's almost a sure thing that a huge long shot is going to win it.  Suncoast has taken two of the last four Labor Day titles with Atascocita Henri in 2012 & Atascocita Dinah in 2014.

#6 Atascocita Lloyd  ~ Suncoast Racing  (10-1 Odds)

Has done just enough in the qualifying rounds to stay in the hunt.  A solid closer that most likely hits the ticket, with 11 of 12 races in the money this season. Solid closer.

#7 Big Red Dog  ~ Rader Racing  (9-5 Odds)

Will be the heavy favorite and he should be.  "Clifford" was the leading point earner in the qualifying rounds, with three firsts and a third place finish.  Has some of the finest fire out of the box that you will see in the game and has only been caught on the lead once in his whole career.

Rader Racing won the Triple Crown of Puppy Stakes last season and will be looking for an unprecedented 7th Labor Day Title.

#8 Barts Magic Mike  ~ Douglas Kennel (6-1 Odds)

With many of the Finalists preferring a rail position, Mike and the Douglas Kennel had to be thrilled that he drew the outside hole where he likes it.  Was able to run down Atascocita Kurly in the semifinals and may have to duplicate that performance to take home the title.

Prediction

I predicted Big Red Dog would be victorious originally and I'm sticking to it.  "Clifford" should be able to out rush and outclass this field and bring yet another Puppy Stakes title home to Rader Racing.  Let the super stardom begin for one of the best greyhounds in the country this season.

Picks 7-5-2-6

What's your predictions for Labor Day?  Leave your comments on our Blog or on any of our social media feeds.  Enjoy the action race fans!