50k He's My Man Final

Get ready for the Super Bowl of sprinting at Palm Beach, with the 36th running of the $50,000 He's My Man Classic!  Eight of the finest greyhounds in the country will put it all on the line to settle who the top dog is here, with one of the biggest purses in greyhound racing up for grabs.  This years field is one of the more wide open Finals we have ever seen, with every racer in this truly having a chance to take home the grand prize. The grand daddy of them all takes place in Race 12 this Saturday, January 16th.

Here's a preview of each greyhound in the Final and the odds I predict they will be at come post time.

#1 Barts Dublin ~ Douglas Kennel (2-1 Odds)

The season wins leader with 17 has had a monster rookie campaign at "The Beach."

The "Luck of the Irish" just won out of the pole position box last time out and his team has to be thrilled that Dublin drew the rail for the Final.

#2 Sg's Tom Seaver ~ Janie Carroll Kennel (3-1 Odds)

One of the hottest rookies in all of Florida, with 9 wins already in just 13 starts. Whether you think "Tom Terrfic" is going to win or not, he is a must on the back of your ticket because he's been in the money in every start of his young career. Superstar potential on this racer.

#3 Superior Philly  ~ B & B Racing  (8-1 Odds)

After 108 starts in the last two seasons, Philly finally gets her shot in a Stakes Final.  The most experienced racer in the field.  Can fire out of the box on any given day and will guarantee give a high payback if she can spring the upset here. B & B is the only Team to get multiple entries into this final group.

#4 Xtenshun  ~ North Shore Kennel  (6-1 Odds)

The surprise of the Tournament was second to Rihanna in total tourney points with two wins and a place.  Loves mid-track and has a decent chance of being out in front at the first turn.

#5 JS ToHotToHandle  ~ Koppe, Staats & Collins (5-1 Odds)

"The Sizzle" from superstar owner Shannon Henry brings superb box fire into this race and does possess the fastest ever time of any greyhound in the Tourney (29.30 secs)  Has built quite a strong fan base over the last two seasons.

#6 Amf Wild Burst  ~ B & B Racing (5-1 Odds)

Track Announcer Mike Jameson's pick to win it all had two wins to start off the Tournament but has struggled in the last two starts.  Tough box setup with loads of speed on the outside. Top Kennel this season B & B Racing will look for their second straight Classic Title, after Storm Control prevailed last year. Will he burst to first in this one?

#7 Nb's KissTheRoad ~ Royal Racing Team (8-1 Odds)

"Kiss" has brought the fire to her game since the the New Year started.  Two huge long shot wins in the second and third rounds stunned the Tournament, but would be an even larger upset if it happens again Saturday. Like most of this field, absolutely has to have the lead early to have any shot.

#8 HotFoot Rihanna  ~ Suncoast Racing (9-5 Odds)

The leading point taker of the Classic rolled to three wins in the Tournament and gets the hot 8 box to spring out of today. The Floridian Semi-Finalists has come back home to Palm Beach and looked terrific upon arrival.  Fantastic shot on the outside to go coast to coast for Suncoast and bring home yet another Stakes Title back to their Team.

Prediction

I've talked to many people about this race since the beginning of the week and opinions of what will happen are all over the place.  There isn't a dominant superstar in the field like we have seen the past few seasons with Rob Gronkowski & Storm Control, which opens up the door for many options.

Barts Dublin I've watched all season and I believe he's right now at the top of his game.  Winning out of this same 1 box last time out against many of these Finalists has me thinking the Irish will be bringing home the green to the Douglas Kennel.

Picks 1-8-2-5

Whatever happens in this race, it should be two amazing weekends in greyhound racing with this Classic & the Daytona 550 National Championship next week.  Best time of year for our sport.

Enjoy the Classic Finals everybody!

Who do you see taking the top prize this weekend? Send your responses to me on Twitter at @JasonPalmBeach or on Facebook - Palm Beach Jason