Palm Beach $20,000 Bob Balfe Puppy Stakes Preview

*Last Years Winner Flying Russian*

The conclusion to stakes season at Palm Beach should be another fantastic one to watch, as the 51st Annual Spring Puppy Stakes get under way this afternoon in South Florida.

A group of 64 made up of the best rookie greyhounds in the country will get their shot at glory with the first round starting Wednesday afternoon, all leading up to the prestigious finale on Saturday, April 29th.

Here is a preview of the top athletes to watch out for and who we predict will win it all after this tournament is all said and done.

Favorites

B Allstar Garth ~ Lester Raines Kennel

Is this finally the time that the national powerhouse kennel breaks through for a stakes title at "The Beach?"  Many certainly will think so.  Garth transferred over from Orlando and immediately loved his new home at Palm Beach.  7 wins in 16 starts and has been running in the top grade most of the spring.

Bye Bye Felicia  ~ B & B Racing

In these Puppy Stakes tourneys, sometimes all you need is a fire break to be victorious, as we just witnessed in last December's Futurity with winner AllAboutTheFame. Felicia is all early burn and should find comfort running against puppies instead of stud A Graders like she has been in April.

Too Tall BobbieD  ~ Agganis Kennel

The veteran.  Bobbie D competed in the Futurity tournament, just missing out on the Final making her eligible to run in the Bob Balfe. Agganis will be looking for their first ever Spring Puppy Stakes title in their history.

Belagosie  ~ B & B Racing

You can't scare a vampire....or a big time greyhound.

Belagosie named after the famous actor just picked up his first top grade victory last week and brings a great combo game to the table with a solid rush and great close.

Tc's Bitterman  ~ Douglas Kennel

The fastest athlete in the field with a smoking 29.42 secs romp already to his credit. This hound loves to fly late and should open some eyes all tourney long.  Can the Douglas Kennel put a stakes trophy next to their anticipated Kennel Championship this season?

Next Best

PJ Where You At ~ Rader Racing

After pulling off the Puppy Stakes Triple Crown last season, the 11 time champs from Rader are still looking for their first hardware this season.  Where You At is a late flyer to keep you eye on.

Record Year ~ Lester Raines Kennel

Certainly would be quite a name to win this if he can pull it off for trainer Kurt Trzeciak. Big box burner.

Tomco Spike Lee ~ Douglas Kennel

The NY Knick loving greyhound will want to take this seasons frustrations of his team out on this young field. The most experienced athlete in this tourney with 36 starts already in his career.

Bigger Pockets  ~ Janie Carroll Kennel

When you run for this kennel, you always have a chance at being something special.  Pockets brings Southland experience and "Swiss Hammer" training from Monica Smith to the table, along with a dynamic rush out of the box.

Long Shots

Speedy Charlie  ~ Agganis Kennel

O Ya Be Happy ~ Janie Carroll Kennel

Red Rum  ~ B & B Racing

Char Vallon ~ Douglas Kennel

Dr. SaraTanCredi  ~ Koppe, Staats & Collins

Wash Your Hands  ~ Rader Racing

Predictions

I'm going with Bigger Pockets from the Janie Carroll Kennel. This team just seems to find a way to win stakes titles and I can't ignore a rush like that in a field full of rookies.

Mike Bal ~ Host of The Backstretch Show on 95.9 FM The Palm

"My pick has to easily be the best name at the track right now, Bye Bye Felicia.  She climbed the Grade Ladder quickly and in two A starts was running against some of the best PBKC has to offer. Lets take that experience and a 1-box in the opener all the way to the Final!"

Mike Jameson  ~ Palm Beach Track Announcer

"My choice is Tc's Bitterman. Top kennel will have more than one in this stakes final."

Jeff Prince  ~ Palm Beach Track Handicapper

"Going with the Vampire Belagosie.  Racing solidly in Grade A and has the ability to go box to wire or come from off the pace to win."

Randy Birch  ~ International Host of BigJackpotBetting.com

"I really like B AllStarGarth from the Lester Raines Kennel.  Getting better each race.  Set up perfectly in the 8 box Race 15 on Wednesday."

Steve Lesser ~ Palm Beach Track Announcer

"Bob Balfe Puppy Stakes between Belagosie & B AllStarGarth.  I'm taking AllStarGarth.  Proven already winning from any position, plus nice post to start the stakes.

Ramon Cadavieco  ~ Palm Beach & Mardi Gras Track Announcer

"AllStarGarth in a dead heat with Record Year!"

George Quinn  ~ GreyhoundNews.co

"After flashing his early speed in 2 schooling races at Sanford-Orlando, B AllStarGarth made the move to Palm Beach and hasn't disappointed with 7 wins in 16 starts.  Coming off his first Grade A win Saturday, I think Lester Raines has found their Puppy All-Star."

Good luck to all athletes, owners and teams in this tournament!