This race, and that one

One of the things I enjoy about greyhound racing is handicapping races.
That being said, I don't wager on every race. I choose just those I believe I have the best chance of winning.
Part of it is bankroll: It's not that huge.
One advantage is I can hit those races I like with a little more money.
The extra combinations often come in handy. Or, a few repeat bets - with some changes and additions to the basic wager - allow me to hit a wager several times.
So, to get the idea started, I went through Wednesday's card at Iowa Greyhound Park. Go to the linked website to find out the dogs I will use in wagers.
Good luck everyone!

For a list of greyhounds I would use in Iowa Greyhound Park's Wednesday evening card, click HERE.

It's back - I hope for awhile!

I know, it's been way too long (or maybe not long enough) for my blog.
A number of things has taken priority. Of course, forgetfulness was a huge part.
So, what to write about?
I figure something I know just a little about: Pari-mutuel racing.
And, we'll start with greyhounds.
Iowa Greyhound Park starts its 2016 season May 14. There are two preseason schoolers sessions left.
Here are some dogs I've placed on my "watch list."

• AT's Frednbarney
• Dad's Red Taxi
• Pat C Big Foot
• Superior Flash
• JD Precious
• Roc A By Shu Box
• Boc's Follow Me
• AT's Blue Robot
• Monkey Way
• Maggiesmusicshow
• XT Moonshine
• Boc's Pollux
• L's Tanza
• Go Luckey Clea
• Boc's K Everdeen

These are based on schooling races; remember that these have less than 8 runners. Be sure to follow up with other races.
Post time Saturday is 1 p.m.

Whatever works

It's not surprising to anyone how much I enjoy greyhound racing.
The power, grace and love those dogs show while running just amazes me. You can tell they thoroughly enjoy racing.
I also enjoy winning. It's quite the feeling to decipher a race and have it come in how you bet it.
The past few weekends have been pretty good. But being the superstitious type, what worked several weeks ago continues.
It's been simple: I stay at the track, no winners. I leave to go to work out, I cash several of the remaining bets.
It's been uncanny, and kind of scary!
Now will it continue? That's the big question!

2014 Dubuque Greyhound Park stakes

As we set our sights on another year of racing at Dubuque Greyhound Park, I find it best to start with the best.
Stakes action.
The 2014 schedule keeps the same events, including the season ending Iowa Breeders' Cup. That event has the second largest purse in the country.
So, with racing starting on April 26, and it's just a few weeks away from pre-season schoolers, let's take a look at the 2014 stakes schedule:

Killer Carew, 2013
Iowa Breeders' Cup champion

ubuque Inaugural: Saturday, April 26, matinee.

Maiden Debut: Saturday, April 26, evening.

Memorial Sprint: Monday, May 26, matinee.

Secretary's Choice: Sunday, Oct. 26, matinee.

Dubuque Au Revoir: Sunday, Oct. 26, matinee.

King and Queen Sprint: Finals: Friday, July 4, matinee. Qualifying rounds: Friday, June 20, evening, June 20;, Wednesday, June 25, matinee; and Saturday, June 28, evening.

Dubuque Classic: Finals: Saturday, Aug. 30, evening. Qualifying rounds: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, all evenings.

Future Star: Finals: Saturday, Sept. 27, evening. Qualifying rounds: Saturday, Sept. 13, evening; Friday, Sept. 19, evening; and Wednesday, Sept. 24, matinee.

Iowa Bred Consolation: Sunday, Oct. 26, matinee.

Iowa Breeders' Cup: Finals: Sunday, Oct. 26, matinee. Qualifying rounds: Thursday, Oct. 9, evening; Sunday, Oct. 12, matinee; Saturday, Oct. 18, matinee; and Thursday, Oct. 23, evening.

The Bowl season!

Yes, tonight's the night the pairings are announced.
However, this is one of my favorite sites for college football. It does a great job with the matchups.
Check it out.
The BCS & Latest Bowl Projections: Predicting and projecting the possible post-season matchups

Black Friday, shortened

This is one of those years where the holidays fall in an awkward time for my work duties.
As a results, it's tougher to get time off to spend with family - and to enjoy some wagering.
My good friend and I have had a Black Friday tradition of spending an afternoon at the track. We enjoy the company, laughs and hopefully a few winners.
While I'll be spending some time on Black Friday at the track, I do have to work the morning - traditionally my handicapping time.
All traditions are good, and maybe the adjustment might result in a few more winners.
Enjoy the holiday and happy wagering!

Not live, but still active

I was asked the other day if I still bet races since live racing ended at Dubuque Greyhound Park
What a question - of course!
The simulcast tracks are available. I've got the Internet site (and soon to be another, I hope!)
It's good to keep the mind active, and handicapping helps. After a short break, it's time to get back at it.
Here's the greyhound simulcast lineup at Dubuque, and the order I bet them (from always bet to maybe).

1. Tri State
2. Naples
3. Derby Lane and Palm Beach
4. Wheeling Island
5. Birmingham
6. Bluffs Run
7. Orange Park
8. Southland
9. Gulf

Note: Flagler and Mardi Gras also are offered during their seasons. They would rank below Bluffs Run and above Orange Park.

Note again: Dubuque also offers a good lineup of thoroughbred tracks, led by the New York and Kentucky circuits. It also offers Woodbine, Hawthorne, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Tampa Bay, Prairie Meadows, Sam Houston ... keep an eye on the season.