Pat C Short Cut

*Pat C Short Cut*

With the biggest greyhound race of the year almost upon us, all eyes are squarely focused on the Daytona 550 coming this weekend.  Palm Beach representative Pat C Short Cut's Team has been preparing their superstar since November for this moment when they found out he was to be in the Elite 8.  Just last weekend, the box draw revealed that "Shorty" will be firing out of the 6 hole, just as teammate JS SpeedyPebbles did last year in this race.

I caught up with Kennel owners Jerry Koppe & Tom Staats this week to see how things are going with Short Cut and what they are thinking about heading into the  weekend with everything on the line.

PBJ: Congratulations again guys on making it to the National Championship yet again this year!  How does it feel to be here once again?

Jerry Koppe: We feel blessed to have had two dogs to be considered for a race like the Daytona 550 when they select the field from the best dogs in the country.

PBJ: It was certainly disappointing that Shorty wasn't able to qualify the $50,000 He's My Man Classic Finals last weekend. On the plus side, could the extra rest benefit Short Cut as he prepares for this race?

Jerry Koppe: I do think the week off will help him.  During the He's My Man, they were running twice a week the first few rounds Wednesday and then Sunday.

PBJ: How did you feel about the 6 box draw?

Jerry Koppe: Sounds good to me.  Plus I do love those gold and black colors just like the Iowa Hawkeyes.

PBJ: How much will Short Cut get to practice at Daytona? Any other extra prep this week?

Jerry Koppe: We put him out of the box Monday morning to see the track and hear the lure.  He did great!  Stayed mid track all the way around.  We will give him a brisk walk on Friday just to get out, stretch and get loose.  I feel confident he will be ready to go Saturday night.  Just asking for a clean race for him so he can show greyhound fans what he can do on the track.

Tom Staats: I think the longer stretch will help Shorty get to the turn better without getting hit, plus a wider first turn should also help.

*JS SpeedyPebbles at last years Daytona 550*

Jerry Koppe: Pebbles gave Shorty Cut some advice before coming up here.  She said don't get hit and if you get clear running, you'll be bringing a championship back to Palm Beach.  She said all her #PebblesNation fans will be rooting Shorty into Victory Lane.

PBJ: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us. Good luck guys and we'll see you in Daytona!!

The $40,000 Daytona 550 will take place in Race 10 this Saturday night at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club. You can watch the race live right here at TwinSpires.com!