Palm Beach Puppy Stakes Semi-Finals Preview 8/27/2014

*Albatross*

 By Palm Beach Jason

We are into the Sweet 16 semi-finals for the $20,000 Gallagher-Kinnaird Puppy Stakes here at Palm Beach! What an exciting tournament it has been so far with the youngest superstars at the track going toe to toe to see who is the top rookie racer here.

Here are my picks for the two semi-final races for the Matinee at “The Beach.”

Race 12 Grade SA 545 Yards

#6 Albatross from top Kennel Rader Racing will be the favorite here. 29.59 secs best time is tops in this field and is already a 57% winner in his young career. “Big Bird” has been most impressive.

A trend I don’t like with Albatross is both times he has lined up in the 6 hole, he was upset. #5 JS Twisted Texi from owner Shannon Henry was one of those upsets last time out and gets the same setup in the 5 box again this afternoon. Too inconsistent to fire on for another win today but her rush could goof up the superstar right next door.

I’m going with the veteran of this group #1 Atascocita Dinah from Suncoast Racing to pull the shocker today. Has Placed in all three starts in the tournament and gets the rail box to fire out of here. Last time in this box, won by almost seven lengths.

Wildcard is #2 Cedar Maxine from the Douglas Racing Team, who is going for three straight W’s and does possess the best rush of this field.

Picks 1-2-6-7

Race 14 Grade SA 545 Yards

My pick from the beginning #8 KB’s Gold Rider from owner Norm Rader rolls into the semi-finals as the only greyhound that is still undefeated. Tied for the season wins lead with 7 W’s and has also hit the Quinela in 83% of his all time starts here to start his career. That’s unbelievable!

Any chance for a shocker would come from #2 CRT Team Thunder from The Champions Racing Team. The lone racer to make it to the semis from her Kennel, she looked fantastic in the third round, winning by 6 lengths. The inside post should put her on the ticket without a doubt.

#6 Quirky Kingdom from Rader Racing had high hopes coming into this tourney but really has underperformed in the last two races. Will need a high board spot or win to have any chance of qualifying for the Finals.

KB’s Gold Rider stays red hot and cruises into the Finals after this one.

Picks 8-2-6-7

The top 8 point leaders from the first four rounds of action will qualify for the Finals on Labor Day. Look for updates about the Finals on my Twitter @JasonPalmBeach on Thursday to see who made the Elite Final 8.

Good luck owners and players today!