2017 Palm Beach He's My Man Tournament Preview

*Last Years Winner Xtenshun*

Are you ready?

With $50,000  and one of the most sought after sprint titles in the game on the line you should be, as the 37th running of the He's My Man Classic gets underway this afternoon at Palm Beach.  A record 72 greyhounds from all over the country are in South Florida here for a chance at a lifetime of fame and fortune.

The first round starts this afternoon in Race 2.  Three rounds of qualifying will follow, with the prestigious Final set for Saturday, January 28th.

Here's the athletes to watch out for when this tournament begins.

Favorites

Superior Tyson  ~ B & B Racing

The "Knockout King" will be the pick of most handicappers and he should be.  Already has a 50K St Pats title under his belt from last season.  Comes into the tourney on fire, winning six of his last seven starts.  Tyson will be looking for redemption after missing the semifinals in last years HMM tournament.

Barts Big Bang  ~ Douglas Kennel

The leader of the top team this season.  "Big Bang" is the most dynamite closer around and has won seven of his last nine starts.  Usually huge closers don't win stakes titles, but Big Bang is out to prove that it can be done. Douglas will be looking for their first HMM title since 2001 with J Johnson.

Janice Dean ~ Brindle Kennel

The "Weather Machine" has simply brought fans to their feet over the past three weeks, with her stunning performances on the 660 yard oval, as well as the Royal Palm Course.  Has a great combo game of solid rush but an even deadlier close.  Our friends at Fox News will be watching this tournament very closely rooting on their weather girls namesake.

Cbj Tootsie Roll  ~ Royal Racing Team

She's as fast as she wants to be.  Tootsie Roll comes into the tourney tied for second in the track championship chase with 14 W's.  Her game is flying out of the box, which can be enough to lift up the hardware in a one shot Final.  Can she hold off the lethal closers lurking in this tourney will be the story to watch.  Will be trying to bring home a golden crown to Royal Racing in this tournament for the first time in their history.

Other Contenders

Whirlin Toodlelu  ~ Douglas Kennel

Was one of the hottest greyhounds around in October & November but has cooled off dramatically, not hitting the winners circle since 12/8.  Her finishes have been the stuff of legends this season.

AllAboutTheFame  ~ Janie Carroll Kennel

Only one Futurity winner has ever won the He's My Man Tournament (Hey Barny Bee- Champions Racing 1999) but that could all change with the girl they call "Cheryl."  Fame has a tremendous initial burst and will need every mph out of those championship legs to compete against the best of the best here.  Hard to bet against owner Monte Jacobs who has set this place ablaze the past three seasons.

Big Red Dog  ~ Rader Racing

When you run for a team that has won this tournament a record 7 times, anything is possible.

"Clifford" is well rested after competing in the Labor Day Puppy Stakes and is just starting to get back to his winning ways.  With tourney experience under his belt and great lid flipping skills, keep you eye on the 25 foot phenom.

Blu Too Tarmac  ~ Royal Racing

"Big Mac" does have two of the fastest splits of any greyhound this season (29.21 & 29.22 secs) and is 10th in wins.

JS Outlaw Legend  ~ Koppe, Staats & Collins Kennel

The "Kansas Kid" did roll into the Futurity Final undefeated before finishing 3rd.  Not even two years old yet, will this stage be too big for the rising star? Legend along with Pat C Analise are the best shots this famous kennel has of bringing home their first He's My Man title.

*O Ya Sunflower*

Other Contenders

Hilco Agnes ~ B & B Racing

Pat C Analise  ~ Koppe, Staats & Collins

O Ya Sunflower ~ Lester Raines Kennel

JWP Tammy  ~ Lester Raines Kennel

BartsRockTheBoat  ~ Douglas Kennel

O Ya Delta Dawn  ~ Janie Carroll Kennel

Mystic Melody  ~ Lester Raines Kennel

Dutch Jasper  ~ Lester Raines Kennel

Quest For Fame  ~ Janie Carroll Kennel

Down The Glen  ~ Ryan Racing

Hot Prospect Gal  ~ Agganis Kennel

Predictions

With 72 greyhounds in this tourney, anything is possible.  With that being said, I'm going with Janice Dean to take this home for the Brindle Kennel.  She's got this flare for the dramatic coming into this and I think we are about to witness more magic the next three weeks.

Here are more predictions from greyhound experts around the country:

Mike Balsamo - Host of The Backstretch Show on 95.9 FM The Palm

"As we discussed on the show last Friday, there's 20+ dogs here that can take this trophy home.  I don't see a favorite like Tyson being able to consistently beat this field and matchups.  Post positions should play a huge factor.  That said, I'll take a dog who I've loved from the beginning, Whirlin Toodlelu as your 2017 HMM Champ!"

Mike Jameson - Palm Beach Track Announcer

"It's easy to pick the favorites, but as we've seen in the past, early speed wins stakes races.  My choice is Hilco Agnes!  She's got a rush that could smush."

Randy Birch - International Host of BigJackpotBetting.com

"Kid Dynamite, Superior Tyson has the necessary experience to handle this many rounds."

Jeff Prince - Palm Beach Handicapper & Former Track Announcer

"Hard to pick one out of 72.  It will all come down to post position, but I am partisan for early speed.  So I'll go with Tyson."

Dale Simons - Palm Beach Track Announcer

"I'm going to double down on JS Outlaw Legend, but watch out for my sleeper Ice Buster."

Steve Lesser - Palm Beach Track Announcer

"I can give you all the dogs that figure that would be easy like Tyson, Big Bang or Dean.  I'm going with a dog just under these with O Ya Sunflower."

George Quinn - GreyhoundNews

"With over a 50% career winning percentage at Palm Beach, including 10 of his last 15, I think Superior Tyson socks it to em' and becomes "THE MAN" on January 28th!"

Benny The Boot - Host of The Backstretch Show on 95.9 FM The Palm

"Barts Big Bang."

Who do you like to win it all?  Send us your picks on BetAmerica's Facebook & Twitter feeds!  Good luck to all athletes, teams and owners in what should be one thriller of a tournament.