UGR $20,000 Bob Balfe Puppy Stakes Analysis and Other News
4/20/2012

By Clint Locklear

$20,000 Bob Balfe Puppy Stakes
Palm Beach Kennel Club
Saturday Matinee, Race 12
 
 
1. DOINITFORSUMDOLL
71 lb. Male (Grenade - Flying Exquisite)
Kennel: Brindle (Kenny Borges, Trainer)
Owner: Paul Amoroso, Jr.
Record: 23/9-4-4-1
 
The first thing that may jump out at most people is the name of his mother. Yes, he's a half brother to Tiger Boy, Captain of the 2011 All-American team. He's also a half to Roc A By It's E, who's currently competing in $60,000 Bluffs Run Derby. This sibling can run and sports the fastest time over the course, a 29.54. He should love the one hole considering he's an inside running early speed burner. Doinitforsumdoll had two open length wins in qualifying, along with a third. He faced notable trouble in Round 2 finishing sixth. He'll do his best impersonation of "catch me if you can".
 
 
2. PRESTON
75 lb. Male (Kiowa Pretence - Kiowa Hail Happy)
Kennel: Royal Racing (Nelly Saenz, trainer)
Owner: Bobby Sidhu
Record: 32/5-10-5-4
 
No dog put together a better record in qualifying without winning. Preston racked up three seconds and a third. In fact, he's hit the quinela in six of his last eight, all in top grade. Unlike his rivals, he hasn't managed a win in grade A. Preston is a son of a marathon stake winning sire, but he's held his own on the tight turns and speed favoring Palm Beach track. A steady advancing type, he doesn't possess a powerful break. On the other hand, he hasn't won without having the lead on the backside. Expect long odds, but he's always dangerous for a top three finish.
 
 
3. TURBO EDWIN
68 lb. Male (Dodgem By Design - Greys Wind Gate)
Kennel: Rader Racing (Yong Rader, trainer)
Owner: Edward F. Gardner, Jr.
Record: 23/8-5-3-0
 
The owner/kennel combination has had a lot of success in the last year, most notably with Turbo Razor. They may have found the perfect complimentary kennel mate to Razor's lightning early foot. Edwin is the strongest closer in this field and gave us an electrifying finish in Round 2. If he gets to the first turn clean, his race begins on the backside. His inability to get away from the box quickly has resulted in trouble filled races, such as his semi-final run. Hard to count out this pup with his closing rush.
 
 
4. MILAM PIERCE
72 lb. Male (Team Record* - Sheriff Morton)
Kennel: Steve Gilster (Dee Dee Lewis)
Owner: Charter Kennel, Inc.
Record: 29/10-4-1-6
 
Milam Prince is one of many that want to be on the front early. Actually Milam needs the lead early to be successful, as all of his wins have come after he's secured the lead going into the first turn. He had two early round wins, and then chased Doinitforsumdoll in Round 3 to be second. In the semi-final round he jumped well to lead the pack into turn one, but was knocked off stride and retreated. Milam will be one of the higher priced offerings on the tote.
 
 
5. MINOR STROKE
63 lb. Female (Rhythmless - Maza Mania)
Kennel: Rader Racing (Yong Rader, trainer)
Owner: Norm Rader & Michael Lab
Record: 34/15-4-3-3
 
The lone female is one of the most experienced with thirty-four trips around the oval. She entered the semi-final round undefeated but a less than an average break from the five hole left her unable to avoid trouble. She still managed to grab third, but was never a threat to the winner beaten by nine lengths. She'll try to rebound with a quick break. She likes to be close and is most reliable on the front. A little luck may be needed coming from the five hole with all of the early speed in this race, but if Minor Stroke can shake loose she'll be tough in the homestretch.
 
 
6. WW ALL STARODELL
73 lb. Male (Iruska All Star - WW's Oprah)
Kennel: Steve Gilster (Dee Dee Lewis, Trainer)
Owner: Bradford Bolton
Record: 30/15-6-3-1
 
The Steve Gilster Kennel is one of three with two entries in the Final. They are the only kennel with a pup that went undefeated through qualifying and will without a doubt be the post time favorite. Odell hasn't blown the competition away, but he hasn't made it close either. His four sub 30.00 times are highlighted by a 29.56 in Round 3. He's decent from the box, but has a strong first turn rush that allows him to get separation on the backside. He's also versatile in that he doesn't have to be on the lead to perform well. A well deserved stakes favorite.
 
 
7. BOUNDFORTHESHORE
73 lb. Male (Dodgem By Design - Outshineeveryone)
Kennel: James E. Douglas (Miriam Douglas, trainer)
Owner: Joe and Dianna Douglas
Record: 35/9-9-1-5
 
One of just a couple of closers to make the Final, Boundfortheshore is always in contention from just about any position during the race. His second round romp was one of the more impressive qualifying wins of the event. On that day, he was able to get close early and took command on the backstretch before winning by six and half lengths in a scorching time of 29.64. A similar effort will make him one of the top contenders here. Even if he faces trouble, he's shown the knack to shake off adversity. Definitely one to consider for a superfecta finish.
 
8. CRAPSHOOTERDANCE
70 lb. Male (Grenade - Flying Exquisite)
Kennel: Brindle (Kenny Borges, Trainer)
Owner: Paul Amoroso, Jr.
Record: 22/8-6-3-2
 
A Littermate to fellow finalist Doinitforsumdoll, his pedigree has already been discussed. Hard to separate the two brothers, they're both tough and land in the most desirable boxes. Crapshooterdance won from the eight box in the semi-final and has done well in the past from the outside. The Brindle Kennel is in with a very good chance of running one-two, especially if there's a jam in the middle. Crapshooterdance had a strong showing in qualifying with two wins, a second and a third. He's been consistent throughout his brief career with twenty top four finishes from just twenty-two outings.
 
 
Picks: 1-6-3-8
 
 
 
Other News... If the Bob Balfe Final isn't enough stakes action, the semi-finals of the $10,000 Floridian will take place Friday night at Mardi Gras. Goodlucksterling has made himself the one to beat with two impressive consecutive wins after a first round loss to runaway winner HMG Seventynine who also has two wins through three rounds... The $15,000 Southland Spring Futurity qualifying continues Saturday night with four races. Mega Quasar will try to make the Final unscathed as he already has three wins in the elimination rounds.