Palm Beach Kennel Club Puppy Stakes Preview

*2013 Winner Rob Gronkowski*

2014 Palm Beach Gallagher/Kinnaird Puppy Stakes Preview

By Palm Beach Jason

The Labor Day Puppy Stakes are back at Palm Beach! The first major Stakes series of the new season is also one of my favorites to watch. 40 of the most promising greyhounds at the track will compete for $20,000 and the prestige of being the Puppy Stakes Champion. 4 rounds of action start today and will end with the Final on Labor Day September 2nd.

Here is who I believe has the best chance of taking home the title:

The Favorites

Albatross - Rader Racing

Most Palm Beach watchers would agree this is the most obvious choice. 5 straight victories to start his career for “The Big Bird.” Rader Racing won the title last year with Rob Gronkowski. Will this racer be the next mega superstar here?

Atascocita Dinah - Suncoast Racing

The most experienced racer of the field. She’s been around the oval 60 times already in her young career. Has the best close and can also show a solid rush on occasion. Suncoast Racing just won this Tournament two years ago with Atascocita Henri.

KB’s Gold Rider - Rader Racing

Is the hottest puppy coming into the Tournament. Has finished in the Quinela in 7 of the first 8 races he has started this season and just scorched a 29.62 secs blazer last time out.

Next Best Greyhounds

KB’s Key To Win - B & B Racing

Two Grade A wins in July. B & B Racing will be looking to sweep the Puppy Stakes titles of 2014, with Storm Control taking the Spring Tournament last April.

CRT Team Thunder – Champions Racing Team

In the Trifecta in 90% of her races to start her career. Has a nice combo of great rush and close.

Longshots

-Cedar Maxine

-JB’s Freestyle

-Turbo Sharise

- Quirky Kingdom

My Prediction

I’m going with KB’s Gold Rider. Looks like he is peaking at the right time in a wide open Tournament. Albatross I’d go with next best. Either way, the Title goes to Rader Racing for the second consecutive year.

Prediction- KB’s Gold Rider

 

I also asked a few people in the industry to give me their predictions for this Tourney as well:

“Dogtrack” Mike Jameson - Palm Beach Track Announcer

“I’ve got two words for you…”Big Bird!” Albatross is my favorite to win the big dance! After his sudden rise to fame, he has been running against tough fields and all he needs to do is break well and have room to rush. Oh and he runs for a decent Kennel called Rader Racing!”

Prediction - Albatross

“FasTrak” Dale Simons – Palm Beach Track Announcer

“Early pick to win the Puppy Stakes for me is Turbo Sharise. She is peaking at the right time on Rader Racing training, proven B grade and her last race was lightning fast for a 21 month old puppy. Second choice is JS Darcy Goes and my longshot pick is CRT Team Thunder.”

Prediction – Turbo Sharise

George Quinn from GreyhoundNews.co

“Definitely not an easy pick like Rob Gronkowski last year, but I am going to stick with Rader Racing and go with KB’s Gold Rider. Albatross, CRT Team Thunder and Turbo Sharise should also be in the hunt.

Prediction – KB’s Gold Rider

Enjoy the Labor Day Puppy Stakes everybody!