Palm Beach 2015 3/8ths Mile Derby Final Preview

It’s one of the most prestigious Stakes finals in all of greyhound racing. Today is the 84^th edition of the James W. Paul 3/8ths Mile Derby at Palm Beach and a new superstar will be crowned at the end of this one. Many original favorites for the Final faltered in the Qualifying Rounds, leaving the door wide open for possible long shots to steal the top prize.

Here is what I believe the odds will be at post time for the Derby and who could take the Title home for their team this afternoon at “The Beach.”

 

Nothin ForNothin ~ Rader Racing ~ 37.67 secs best time.

~ 3-1 Odds

The leading point earner (47 pts) through the Qualifying rounds is the most complete greyhound of the field. Lethal combo of sweet rush and even better close should have this recently turned 2 year old greyhound right in the mix at the wire. Has only missed the pay sheet twice in 15 starts (87%) since switching to the 660 yard distance.

 

 

 

 

Jj’s Tango ~ Rader Racing ~ 37.54 secs best time

~ 3-1 odds

Rader Racing has to be thrilled that their young rising star drew the inside 2 box for the Final. Tango already made the Final of the Dick Andrews Futurity in December and has had equal success after switching to the 660 yard for this Tourney. Will be looking to give his Kennel their first Derby win since 2011 (Dynamic Trent).

 

Pat C Shyne ~ Koppe, Staats & Collins ~ 37.35 secs best time

5-1 Odds

Turned in the second fastest time of the season of any greyhound in the 2^nd Round of qualifying. Being on the outside will probably give Shyne a good price on the odds board because of how difficult it is to win from there. With a sweet rush, Shyne has a chance to win any race, including this Final.

 

Pat C Brightly ~ Koppe, Staats & Collins ~ 37.60 secs best time

6-1 Odds

Draws the pole position 1 box, which is statistically this season the most favorable box to win from. Another stellar rusher but can be short at times at the wire. If she gets the lead early and there is trouble behind, her Team could be celebrating their 6^th ever Derby title.

 

 

Bozica ~ Ryan Racing ~ 37.92 secs best time

7-1 Odds

The best closer of the group without a doubt. Came back from last to first in the semi-finals and has hit the ticket in 9 straight. May not win this Final, but certainly has an outstanding chance to get in the Top 3 for a solid price.

Starz Opera ~ Suncoast Racing ~ 37.76 secs best time.

8-1 Odds

Last time in this same 6 box, fired away for a three length victory in the 2^nd Rd of Qualifying. If she gets the lead early in this one, Suncoast will have yet another Derby champion to add to their long history of success here at Palm Beach.

Paid Vacation ~ Ryan Racing ~ 37.82 secs best time

9-1 Odds

Started off the Tourney with 2 straight victories, but has struggled from the inside boxes in the last two. Being back at mid-track from the 5 box may just be what he needs to get back on track. Will be looking to get it in to win for trainer Henry Chin.

Fire Down Below ~ Rader Racing ~ 38.17 secs best time

11-1 Odds

Has the slowest top time of the field but has hit the ticket in all of the Qualifying Rounds. Will need to get the lead early to have any chance to pull the monster upset.

 

Prediction

Lots of early speed in this one, but I’m going with solid closer #3 Nothin ForNothin. Rader Racing gets their first Stakes win of the season and 5th overall Derby title at “The Beach.”

Picks 3-2-1-7

Enjoy the Derby Final everybody!

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