2017 Palm Beach Derby Final Preview

*Points Leader Fraulein Morgan*

After three weeks of intense paw dropping action, it's time to settle this on the field, as the 86th running of the James W Paul 3/8ths Mile Derby Final is about to commence at Palm Beach.  Eight of the finest middle distance greyhounds in the country are set to run for the blanket and a cool $50,000 in prizes this Saturday afternoon.

If one of the big favorites doesn't come in for the win, we could could see record shattering payouts with the high odds that are to be expected on the long shots.

Here is a preview of each racer and the odds we believe they will go off at come post time.

#1 Janice Dean  ~ Brindle Kennel   (2-1 Odds)

The He's My Man Champion has brought national attention to this tournament after Fox News ran a story on her last week.  "The Weather Machine" prefers mid track, so her team can't be thrilled with this rail box position.  Plenty of past winners have won from this post and Dean does possess a lethal close if she doesn't exactly get the break she desires off the bat.

#2 Fraulein Morgan  ~  Janie Carroll Kennel (9-5 Odds)

Her team has to be ecstatic with this draw.  The season wins leader will be looking for her 4th straight victory in this Final and comes off s start where she smoked a 37.56 secs victory out of this same 2 hole.  She will be the favorite in this race and she should be.  Absolutely fires out of the box like no other on this course.

#3 Barts RealSmooth  ~ Douglas Kennel (16-1 Odds)

Has to be in the worst spot of any greyhound in this Final with the blazing early speed on both sides of him.  The surprise Finalist does have the fourth fastest time of any of these greyhounds (37.66 secs) but will need the break of his career to have any chance at a board spot.

#4 O Ya Maybelline  ~ Janie Carroll Kennel  (5-1 Odds)

Like a Ferrari on the highway, this hound is all early speed.  Uses her blazing first step to take gigantic leads in her races and will need a large cushion in this one to take home the 50K top prize.  Has hit the board in 83% of her starts. Janie Carroll will be looking to repeat as champs after taking the title last year with record breaker Ethel Is Here.

#5 Wicked Twista  ~ North Shore Kennel (4-1 Odds)

Has put herself on the map with the tournament she has had. The Brianna Burkhart owned young gun posted two wins in the tourney and ran right with Morgan and Dean in the semis finishing third.  Has quickly amassed a huge following on social media with her "Wicked" name and even better racing game.

#6 Go Bon Kickstart  ~ Royal Racing Team (14-1 odds)

The ultimate wild card.  Has sprung big upsets throughout this season and can on occasion break out of the box with the best of them.  Royal Racing will be looking for their first Derby title since 2014 with Flying Zinc.

#7 RY's Priscilla  ~ Brindle Kennel  (10-1 Odds)

The suddenly surging Brindle Kennel gets two Finalists for the second straight tournament finale.  Priscilla has two straight place finishes and is the best long shot to possibly steal this.

#8 Barts Wanna Bet  ~ Douglas Kennel (13-1 Odds)

Stunned the Palm Beach faithful winning at 19-1 odds in the semifinals.  Tough spot in the 8 box, but it's greyhound racing....anything can happen. This would certainly be a sweet victory for the Douglas Kennel, as they have consistently been the top team all season long.

Prediction

1-2-5-7

I've picked Janice Dean from the beginning and I'm sticking with her.  I've thought all along this greyhound has something magical going for her this season and the HMM Championship & Fox News story only strengthens that belief for me.  "The Weather Machine" has all of New York City celebrating well into the night after this Derby win.

The top three hammers in Dean, Morgan & Twista look like a lock to hit the board.  Putting an unknown on the back of your ticket could mean the difference on Saturday.

Good luck greyhounds, teams and players.  Enjoy the Derby everybody!