1/30/2012 - Pat Collins Owns Round 3

There were only 4 races remaining in the 3rd round of the 2012 Orange Park Derby, and the longshots took over. Three of the four races were won by greyhounds at over 5-1, and of those three trips, the Pat Collins Kennel won two.

In race 9 Pat C Hostage ran a monster race from well off the pace to get up in the final strides and take home a victory. Determination is the word that best describes this effort, as he over come trouble early and in the far turn to get it done. Although it was the slowest winning time of the day, to me if was the most impressive.

The other Pat Collins winning came in the 15th race as Pat C Manuel stole the lead and beat a stellar field of greyhounds in the process. He exploded from the starting box and was in instant command of the race. His lead did shrink by the far turn, but he held tough on top to take home the win in the stretch.

The quickest trip of the day came in the 7th race as the favorite, Lk's Energizing, didn't disappoint her followers. She too broke very quickly and was in the lead from the very first step she took. Unlike her fellow competitors, she increased her lead throughout and was never really challenged in this effort. Her 37.62 second romp was not only impressive, it was 3 lengths faster than anyone else on the card.

The last but not least winner was Big Drama in the 11th on the card. He too found his break and that was all that was needed to win this round. He was in cruise control on the lead and he would have won even without the trouble in the far turn behind him. Clearly the best in this effort, he maybe warming up to the distance once again.

One more chance for the favorites to show back up if they want a chance to make it to the finals of the 2012 Orange Park Derby, and that comes tonight, Monday January 30th at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

The post position draw will be held on Wednesday Matinee February 1st, and the finals will run on Saturday February 4th in conjunction with out $5,000 cash giveaway and stakes drinks and food specials.