TK Quick Strike opened the first round of the $10,000 Mountaineer Classic at Wheeling Island Monday afternoon with a bang.

The Charter Kennel middle distance dandy not only romped to an 11 1/2-length victory, but rewrote his own track record in the process. Quick Strike’s time of 37.27 shattered his old mark of 37.32.

Breaking from the six hole, Quick Strike exploded out of the box and was never threatened in lowering the 3/8 track record he first set March 28. Creedence and WW’s Valera completed the trifecta ticket.

Charter Kennel trainer Rodney Cooley was ecstatic over Quick Strike’s second record run.

“He fired out of the box and was very aggressive coming down into the first turn. It was an impressive race,” Cooley said. “I am so proud of him.”

Raised by Dr. Marty Tanner in Texas, Quick Strike was purchased by Charter Kennel at the 2006 National Greyhound Association Fall Meet.

“Quick Strike is the real McCoy and one of our greatest auction purchases. Marty Tanner raised him and that makes me proud for him,” Charter Kennel operator Cary Alsobrook said. “It always comes down to the talent of a trainer to give the final blow, and we all know who Rodney Cooley is. Rodney has always said this greyhound has more to accomplish than he has shown, and it certainly gave notice with another new track record.”

Alsobrook said Quick Strike is one of those special greyhounds who don’t come along very often.

“Quick Strike is one of those rare greyhounds with early speed who can run most any distance and hold a sprint throughout,” Alsobrook said. “Not that we plan to do it, but I feel Quick Strike could go the 7/16 distance, as well as the 5/16 sprint. His perfect race is the 3/8.”

A July 2005 greyhound out of Flying Penske-Joanne’s Peach, Quick Strike has 12 wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds in 20 starts this year.

Also posting first round victories in the Mountaineer Classic were Swiss Maid, Nicotine Fit, Starz Supreme, TNJ Roulette and TNJ Pirate.

The second round in the 3/8 stake will be held during the Saturday matinee card May 17. The semifinal is set for Wednesday afternoon, May 21, with the championship final on Monday afternoon, May 26 (Memorial Day).

Following are capsule looks at the first round races. Besides Quick Strike, four other greyhounds posted box-to-wire wins.

Swiss Maid posted a box-to-wire effort, jumping out to an early 5-length advantage before holding on for a 1 1/2-length victory in 38.00. CS Bosco was second and Its Qimat third.

Nicotine Fit hit the lid, flying out to a 3-length margin before winning by 1 1/2 lengths over Wuzinyurwallet in 38.04. Sendahl Freddie rounded out the trifecta ticket.

Starz Supreme closed in the stretch and pulled away to a 4 1/2-length victory in 38.21. Greys Mysticrose was second while pacesetter Hawk Harrelson faded to third.

TNJ Roulette got the early jump, but had to hold off a hard-charging Gable Bold by a nose at the wire in 38.14. UCME Flip Flop rounded out the trifecta ticket.

TNJ Pirate also went box-to-wire, winning by 5 1/2 lengths in 37.87. Sallizar Slammer closed for second while Oshkosh Addie settled for third.

Pawloski can be reached at sjpawloski@yahoo.com