The first round of the $60,000 Kennel Championship will take place on Wednesday, January 6.

The $60,000 Kennel Championship will consist of one round per month, over the 5/16 mile course, with grades, A, B, C and D. Each kennel will enter a grade A greyhound, grade B greyhound, grade C greyhound and grade D greyhound. The kennel will earn points for each greyhound biased on how the greyhound finished in the race. Points will accumulate through out the year. The top eight kennels will win a piece of the $60,000 Purse. Sound simple enough? Not for some kennels at Bluffs Run.

The first round should have seen 4 seven dog races, because Bluffs Run has 15 kennels. However one kennel did not have a grade A eligible (Woodall) and two other kennels had grade A eligible but did not enter a grade A greyhound (Hardison, Mickim). So now we have 2 six dog races, both grade A. Not a good start for this stakes race.

Kennels were told about this stakes race on December 29, with specific introductions to contact the racing office if they have any questions.

Oh I forgot to mention that all rounds will pay a grade A 3/8 purse.

This stakes race takes a competent trainer. They must come up with a game plan on how they will come up with the entries for this stakes race. Do they take a grade dropper? Do they us a pup coming up the ranks? They also have to make sure that the greyhound they want to use does not draw in after entries are due.

Let’s take a look at some of the first round match ups.

The first race is a grade B paying A 3/8 purse and greyhound BEST DAY EVER running for the Legg Kennel, just dropped to grade B. Six starts ago was the last time he raced in a grade B race and he won. However will he be able to break on top from the #4 post position?

The second race is a grade C paying A 3/8 purse and this race has a few things going on. DRAKE WALKER racing for the Hardison kennel, just dropped to grade C and four starts ago was the last time he was in grade C and it was a drop line, he won. On the flip side, CJC’S JACKPOT racing for the Woodall kennel and SUPERIOR DATE racing for the River Bluffs – Brian Smith kennel are coming off of wins. CJC’S JACKPOT looks to be a solid D greyhound he should be out classed in this C race. SUPERIOR DATE is a pup not missing the board and has won two of her last three starts.

The third race is a grade A paying A 3/8 purse. This is the first of two six dog races. With the #3 & #6 post positions empty, this race should be the greyhound that breaks on top should win. With that in mind LITTLE ANDY racing for the Blake & Black kennel should win out of the #5 post position.

The fourth race is a grade D paying A 3/8 purse. WHISKAWAY FALCON racing for the Hardison kennel has just dropped to grade D and three starts ago he won a grade D race. However the Mickim kennel will amaze you again. Not only did they not have a grade A in the stakes race, in the fourth race they enter a grade D greyhound that has never won at Bluffs Run. They currently have 15 grade D active and I’m sure they have a greyhound that would have a better chance of winning. You can see a better greyhound in the 9th race on Wednesday. Maybe the Mickim kennel doesn’t need the $60,000 purse or they just don’t care. Did I tell you that this grade D race will win a grade A 3/8 purse?

The fifth race is a grade B paying A 3/8 purse. This is a seven dog race with an empty #5 post position. KEEN KATY racing for the Bean & Stout kennel just dropped to grade B. Three starts ago she dropped to grade B and won.

The sixth race is a grade C paying A 3/8 purse. COWBOYTAKEMEAWAY racing for the Legg kennel has three starts in her career at Bluffs Run and has won her last two races and finished third in her maiden debut. However PG BEEPER racing for the Bean & Stout kennel is a double grade drop and will make this a measuring stick for COWBOYTAKEMEAWAY.

The seventh race is a grade D paying A 3/8 purse. This is a seven dog race with an empty #5 post position. IDAHO BATMAN racing for the Seastrom – Lovely kennel will have his second start at Bluffs Run. He is currently on a three race win streak; however two of those races are schooling. UCME CHICKABOOM racing for the Boeckenstedt kennel just broke her maiden her last race.

The eight race is a grade A paying A 3/8 purse. This is a six dog race with the #3 & #6 post positions empty. Saving the best for last, with TEN FOR TEE racing for the River Bluffs – Brian Smith kennel and KC AND ALL racing for the Bean & Stout kennel. TEN FOR TEE is the 2009 track champion with 29 wins, while KC AND ALL is on a five race win streak.

The second round of the $60,000 Kennel Championship will be held on February 3. The entries are due January 30.