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When Kiowa JSK David moved to the backside in late August, Cardinal Kennel trainer Jerrod Varner was confident the youngster could hold his own.
Six Grade AA 3/8 races later, David not only has been competitive but he's won five of those middle distance starts and finished second in the other race.
David definitely has found a new home.
"He was having some trouble getting to the rail in his sprint races but I didn't want to move him until he got a little age and experience," Varner said. "It's safe to say he'll be over there (3/8) for awhile."
An October 2005 greyhound out of Solitary Runner-Sol Kyndi, David has been nothing short of spectacular since moving up to the longer distance. Four of his 3/8 victories have been box-to-wire efforts while David broke with the pack in his other win but wasted little time grabbing the lead.
"In his last few sprint races, David was breaking better so I thought he could go to the lead in 3/8," Varner noted. "If he got the top I knew they would have trouble running him down."
Breaking from the six hole in his first 3/8 race, David romped to a 3 1/2-length victory. In his next trip, David fired out of the one hole -- opening up 5 lengths on the field before winning by 2 1/2 lengths.
"Even though I felt he could run with the top 3/8 dogs at Wheeling, I was surprised he won his first one right off the bat. He really snapped it," Varner said. "After drawing the one hole in his next start, I was pretty sure he'd do it again."
David broke third in his next 3/8 outing (six hole), but quickly rushed up to second behind BF Roseway. The leader was never challenged as David finished second 4 1/2 lengths back.
"It's too early to tell if David will be able to come from behind, but the fact he didn't get the lead and stayed second was a good sign," Varner said. "I think his best race will be to go to the front. A little jam behind him would be nice."
Three more box-to-wire races followed (one hole and a pair of four holes), but David was losing a few lengths in the homestretch.
"Right now David's a tad short coming home, but I think he'll get stronger as he matures. Remember, he's only 2 years old," Varner related. "If David keeps breaking, he'll be on the quiniela ticket consistently."
David was challenged in the stretch in his last two races by TMC's Frenchie but he gamely held her off at the wire both times in photo finishes.
Although Varner prefers David draw an inside post, he has had no problems breaking from mid boxes.
"I like to see him on the inside, but I don't think it matters with him," Varner said. "He's hit it from any hole he's been in."
David broke in at Wheeling in April 2007, gradually climbing the ladder to Grade AA. In 28 career starts, he has 10 wins, 5 seconds, 2 thirds and 4 fourths -- a 74 percent mark on the pay sheet.
"We're extremely happy with the way David has taken to the change to 3/8," Varner said. "Being so young, he can only get better."
David is owned by Smith Greyhounds.
IN THE HOMESTRETCH:
REMEMBER …
Pecos Wheeling
– Raced at Wheeling from 1980-1981
– Third 1981 West Virginia Classic (3/8)
– Winner 1981 Seabrook Derby (3/8)
– Winner 1982 Floridian (7/16)
– Finalist 1981 Seabrook Great Greyhound Race (5/16)
– Finalist 1981 American Derby (3/8)
– Record 43-13-13-10 in 1981 at Wheeling
HOT DOGS: Flying Eagles-Miner Kennel's Kiowa Gale Maloy has raced to four straight victories (A, AA) for trainer Jay Hawkins. Kennel-mates Kay V Arrington has won three out of her last four Grade AA trips while Flat Out Ady has back-to-back Grade AA wins.
Charter Kennel's Makin Bakin has three Grade AA wins in a row for trainer Rodney Cooley. Kennel-mate Silver Jones has won three out of his last four outings (C, B, A).
Steubenville Kennel's Hallo Mr Brendon has won three out of his last four starts (M, C, B) for trainer Debbie Schweizer.
Majestic Kennel's Mulberry Gus has back-to-back Grade AA victories for trainer Joe Otto.
A Ray Kennel's CDN Thunderkat has two wins and a second in his last three Grade AA races for trainer Joe Palmer. Kennel-mates Paul Wood Jack (B, A 3/8) and Greys Mysticfate (B, A) have back-to-back victories.
Mike Fynmore Kennel's CBar Denny has back-to-back victories (B, A) for trainer James Stewart.
Pawloski can be reached at sjpawloski@yahoo.com