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GREYHOUND TIPS

This is a basic overall view of some of the important points in handicapping greyhounds.

1. Early Speed / Front Runners
There are two types of early speed greyhounds. One type shows a strong break out of the box - the break call is approximately four lengths from the starting box. The other type tends to break moderately and then rush or drive the first turn.

2. Late Speed / Closers
Late speed greyhounds generally show a somewhat slow break out of the box. They come to the 8th call following the pack. From here on out is where the closers run their race. Some may show a gradual gain throughout the race, while others, which I refer to as drivers, wait until late in the race to make their move. This type of a runner pushes hard in the stretch passing many of the greyhounds and should never be underestimated.

3. Class
Determining the class of the race can be tough sometimes. This can depend on the stats you have available to you. Look first to find the one showing the most "in the money" finishes at the current grade racing. Next, look for grade drops and how competitive the greyhound was in the higher grade. Class tends to be a much stronger variable in higher-grade races.

4. Time
This variable brings many arguments between handicappers. Some tend to place this factor at the top of the list, while others consider this lightly. Speaking for myself, I have found a strong correlation with the greyhounds having the fastest times generally will also be the class of the race.

5. Heart
This factor can be gauged as seen in our stats. If a greyhound exhibits heart he shows the ability and determination to come back after finding trouble. This type of greyhound will either finish in the money or make a strong attempt to do so.

6. Trouble
How many times have you heard "If he wouldn't have gotten into trouble, he could have won." Trouble to me is the toughest variable you will find in handicapping. "It is found in every race." Sometimes with only one or two greyhounds, but usually several. Coming into the first turn is where most of the trouble occurs. This is where the early speed/front runners can benefit by being out of harms way. The positive aspect of trouble is that it produces the higher payoffs. When selecting your key greyhound in a wager, consider his trouble percentage. If he shows a high percentage of trouble and doesn't seem to benefit by his post-position, look to another greyhound as a key.

7. Track Preference
Knowing where on the track a greyhound likes to run can be very important. Out of the starting box, some may reach this area without causing trouble. Others may tend to slash or cut to the rail or outside. A greyhound that tends to run the rail and is positioned to the right of a mid-track or wide runner may find it hard to make their way around the other. This is true especially if both greyhounds tend to break the same. Some handicappers will play off this type of a situation, looking to a greyhound whose running style and post-position will keep him clear of any possible trouble.

KEY TERMS

Bertillon Card - A greyhound's identification card that lists 56 physical identifying points for every registered racing greyhound.

Blanket - A covering for a greyhound bearing a number and color corresponding to post position.

Calls - The position of each greyhound at specific points around the track during a race.

Career Record - A series of five numbers indicating, in order, a greyhound's total number of starts, followed by first place, second place, third place and fourth place finishes. Often preceded by an abbreviation showing the track at which the starts were recorded.

Grading System - Method of assuring greyhounds compete against racers of similar caliber; grades are assigned according to performance, with the top grade being "A".

Interference - Intentional physical contact which obstructs or impedes the running of another greyhound. After being called for interference, a greyhound must run in a non-wagering race before he can compete again.

Kennel - A business that cares for and races greyhounds under contract with one or more racetracks.

Leadout - A handler employed by the track who parades racers in front of the public before a race and places the greyhounds in the starting box.

Lure - A mechanical device attached to an arm and electrically driven around the racing strip. The lure operator keeps it a uniform distance ahead of the greyhounds.

Matinee - A program of racing conducted during the daylight hours.

Muzzle - A wire, leather or plastic devise, with a white tip, which is fitted over the greyhound's mouth and jaws and used as an aid in a close photo finish.

Post - A greyhound's box or post position number. A greyhound's number always corresponds to the number of his starting box.

Quinella Double - A wagering term describing the two greyhounds finishing first and second in any order in two designated races.

Sprint - A race run over five-sixteenth of a mile or shorter distance.

Stakes Race - A race for a championship or for a purse larger than those offered for ordinary feature races.

Starter - A greyhound is a starter for the race when the doors of the starting box open.

Tattoo - An identification number placed inside the ear of a registered racing greyhound.

Trainer - A kennel employee whose responsibility is preparing greyhounds for racing.

Twin Trifecta - A wagering term describing the first three greyhounds to cross the finish line in exact order in two designated races.

Wire - The finish line for a race.