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In 2003, TMC's Josalynn was a monster marathon runner at Wheeling Downs.
Second on the win leaderboard with 28, Josalynn absolutely ruled the distance from May to the end of the year.
In 37 marathon starts in the seven-month period, Josalynn had 24 wins, 8 seconds, 2 thirds and 1 fourth. A closer look shows her dominance:
-- Seven and six race win streaks;
-- Victorious in 16 out of 18 starts during one stretch;
-- Clocked a 42.28, which was .01 seconds off Steph's Good's then track record of 42.27;
-- Wins by 10 lengths (four times), 9 1/2 lengths (twice), 9 lengths, 8 1/2 lengths (five times), 8 lengths (twice), 7 1/2 lengths, 6 lengths, 5 1/2 lengths and 5 lengths.
Today, Steubenville Kennel trainer Debbie Schweizer believes she has another monster in the making in TMC's Avenger, a December 2005 greyhound out of Dodgem By Design and TMC's Josalynn.
"He's going to be one of the best dogs at this track in 7/16," Schweizer said. "He will dominate 7/16. That will be his calling if he stays healthy."
Lofty expectations for a young greyhound with less than 15 career starts, however, Avenger already has made a statement at the Wheeling Island oval. He has 4 wins, 4 seconds and 5 thirds in 13 trips as he climbed the ladder to Grade AA.
Eddie McDonald, who bred and raised Avenger on his farm in Texas, also feels the pup will take to the longer distances.
"I think he'll be right at home when he goes 7/16," McDonald said. "He's so young now, he'll have plenty of room to grow as far as strength."
Avenger caught McDonald's eye at a young age on the farm.
"Growing up he was special. He stood out in training," McDonald noted. "He was aggressive but extremely friendly."
It didn't take long for Avenger to leave an impression on Schweizer.
"Avenger has been overlooked in the kennel by Hallo Mr Brendon and Hallo Big Pamer, but I knew from the second or third time I saw him run that he was something special," Schweizer said. "He's getting better and better with each start."
So far, Avenger has only raced 5/16. When he goes distance, 3/8 will be his first stop, Schweizer said.
"I'm not sure when we will move him to distance, but I'm thinking after a few more sprint starts," Schweizer said. "I want him to mature a little more and I'd also like to see him win a Grade AA sprint."
Avenger came very close in his last top grade start Monday. Closing from fourth with a powerful stretch rush, Avenger ran second by a neck in a photo finish.
In Avenger's initial Grade AA trip, he rallied from eighth at the first turn to finish third.
"Avenger doesn't have a lot of early speed in his sprint races, but has tons of bottom just like his mother," Schweizer said. "He also has tons of heart. He never gives up."
The youngster's drive and determination has played a key factor in Avenger's perfect 13 for 13 on the trifecta ticket. A majority of his races have been come-from-behind efforts.
In the few races where Avenger broke decent and rushed up into position early, he romped to impressive victories -- Maiden by 9 lengths, Grade B by 7 lengths and Grade A by 7 lengths.
"If he learns how to break, they will take the camera off of him," Schweizer said. "He has blazing speed when he gets loose."
Talking to Schweizer, it's easy to feel the excitement she has for the young gun.
"Even though Avenger won't be 2 years old until December, I'm not surprised at all by what he's been able to do," Schweizer said. "I'd love to see a medley stake where each dog runs all three distances (5/16, 3/8 and 7/16). I think he'd do really well."
McDonald also isn't surprised by Avenger's early success at Wheeling.
"I expected the litter to be fantastic. They have a good history of winning in their background," McDonald said. "We have a small farm and we give the dogs a lot of attention, a lot of hands-on care. We're extremely happy and feel very fortunate."
Avenger's littermates include TMC's Inaminute, TMC's Lasschance, TMC's Mostwanted, TMC's Tazer, TMC's Tuscany and TMC's Willow.
IN THE HOMESTRETCH:
HOT DOGS: Gable Kennel's Gable Pimiento has raced to five straight Grade AA victories for trainer Wayne Piquette. Kennel-mates Gable Burma has three wins in a row (B, A, AA) while Gable FX has back-to-back victories (B, A).
Majestic Kennel's Mulberry Gus has won five out of his last six Grade AA races for trainer Joe Otto.
C And C Kennel's Poor White Dog has three wins and two seconds in her last five Grade AA 7/16 starts for trainer Patrick Bever.
Flying Eagles-Miner Kennel's Flat Out Ady has won four out of her last five Grade AA trips for trainer Jay Hawkins. Kennel-mates Flat Out Uma has two wins and two seconds in her last four starts while Best Amigos has back-to-back victories (A, AA).
Wayne Ward Kennel's Kay Shivon Sissy has two wins and a second in her last three Grade AA races for trainer Ron Otto.
Arivada-Plum Creek Kennel's Shark Boy has won three out of his last four starts (C, B, A) for trainer Ricardo Pacheco. Kennel-mate Hittin The Track has back-to-back 3/8 wins (B, A).
Keota Kennel's Bella Alexander has back-to-back victories (A, AA) for trainer Louise Strong. Kennel-mates PB's Stinky has two wins and a second in her last three outings while Bella Olympus has two wins and a third in his last three trips.
Charter Kennel's Makin Bakin has won three out of her last four Grade AA starts for trainer Rodney Cooley. Kennel-mate U Too Fidel has two wins in a row (A, AA).
Cardinal Kennel's TNJ Rodeo Joe has back-to-back 3/8 victories (B, A) for trainer Jerrod Varner.
Lester Raines Kennel's E's High Voltage has two straight wins (C, B) for trainer Joel Roden.
REMEMBER …
Odd Receiver
– Raced at Wheeling from 1978-1981
– Career record: 195-66-25-43-18
– 27 wins in 1980 (third overall)
– 25 victories in 1979 (second overall)
Pawloski can be reached at sjpawloski@yahoo.com