Animal anthropologists generally agree that the Greyhound - type dog is one of the seminal canine breeds from which virtually all domestic dogs descend. They can be traced back over 8,000 years to early cave drawings and decorative artifacts. The distinguishable modern Greyhounds are descendants of an ancient identifiable breed that goes back to the Egyptians and Celts. The Egyptians worshipped Greyhounds as a god and frequently showed them on murals in the tombs of kings. In old England "You could tell a gentleman by his horses and his Greyhounds." Old paintings and tapestries showing hunting feasts frequently included Greyhounds.

The Greyhounds placed by adoption organizations are generally retired, trained athletes.

Retired race dogs have been trained to chase lures, usually mechanical but sometimes live. They are NOT vicious predators as many believe, but chase things that move by nature. It is the Greyhound's nature to run. They are sprinters who can run up to 45 miles an hour for very short periods. Some of them love to run; others are simply not interested after they retire.

The cream of the 3 year old turf sprints come together here today for the ultimate in equine immortality: Equinics glory.

Heres how they line up:

Breeding: MARKANE X HAMAS X TOY PINDARRI

Residency: Ireland

Currently ranked 38^th in the division, this colt is looking to add a Graded victory to his multiple stakes winning record. Doesn't have the big name breeding of some of his rivals here today but he's been impressive to date nonetheless. Won his MSW at first attempt at big odds then went on to win The Can Frazzetto Special Stakes race at his second lifetime start. During his short career he has managed to win at stakes level on another 3 occasions and has attempted Graded racing twice resulting in a 10^th beaten 11 � lengths in The Grade 1 Duetoburst Stakes and a 10^th beaten 5 � lengths in the Grade 2 Aftershave Sprint. Tackling the big boys here today and a significant improvement is required for him to show up.

Breeding: BALLINGARRY X A.P. INDY X LION CAVERN

Residency: Ohio Thoroughbred Racing

This colt looks to be an improver who has run some nice races in good company of late. Currently ranked 11^th in the division, this guy is coming off an excellent win in The Rock On Australia Special Stakes race posting a personal best SF 104. Only one attempt at Graded level resulted in a good 3^rd beaten 2 � lengths in The Grade 2 Manofjunk Stakes at his 4^th lifetime start. Another who enjoys sitting on the speed, the improvement that he is showing indicates that he is capable of being a force here, especially if he can find the front. Each way claims.

Breeding: REFUSE TO BEND X CORONADOS QUEST X STORM CAT

Residency: The CR Racers

This colt had an outstanding 2 year old season winning 4 and being runner up twice from 7 seven starts including a stakes win and a Grade 3 victory. His only unplaced run as a 2 year old came in The World Cup Juvenile Colt Turf Mile when a game fourth beaten just 2 lengths. He's tried to recapture that form this season as a 3 year old but with limited success. Two starts ago beat a field of 6 in The Sim Clown Stakes but last time out he was well held in The Dynamite Woody Handicap when defeated by 7 � lengths. Obviously has plenty of ability and if he can continue to come on as I'm sure his trainer rhafo5 hopes, then he can be a threat here today. Each way.

Breeding: FORESTRY X CARSON CITY X DIXIELAND BAND

Residency: Minnesota Downs

This guy has pulled out some impressive runs of late and I was a little surprised to see him ranked just 84^th in the division. I guess it may be because he has only 2 wins however he has some very good placings amongst the cream. Great run last time at Smackdown when 2^nd beaten 1 � lengths and prior to that he was beaten a length when 3^rd in The Dynamite Woody Handicap. Looks to be improving all the time and is racing in peak form as shown by his recent form. Will most likely settle just better than midfield during the run and will be looking to weave a passage in the straight and topple the leaders in the last couple of strides. Strong claims.

Breeding: STORM CAT X MACHIAVELLIAN X DEPUTY MINISTER

Residency: Queensland Racecourse

Ranked 12^th for Turf sprints, this 3 year old son of Storm Cat has really hit his straps of late, breaking the 100 SF barrier at his last four attempts. These efforts have resulted in 2 Stakes wins and a runners up in the Grade 3 The Joisy Stakes and another second in The Grade 2 Snake Eyes. Certainly doesn't appear to be out of his depth in this and has a versatile racing style that gives the jock plenty of options. Looks set to be there at the business end of proceedings and I rate him a great each-way chance.

Breeding: SUCCESSFUL APPEAL X THEATRICAL X HAWAII

Residency: East-West Connection

Here we have a colt that has run some nice races in good company but has run 12 of his 14 races on the dirt. Two runs on turf have resulted in a win and a second, the win coming in The Dad Kid Special Stakes race posting a SF of 88 and the second being in The Whip Surge Stakes posting a 90. Facing a stiff task here today against seasoned turf campaigners and it would be a surprise to see him figure in the finish.

Breeding: HIGH CHAPPARAL X TOUCH GOLD X MR. PROSPECTOR

Residency: Hispano Parlante

Lightly raced 3 year old with just 9 starts for 5 wins 2 seconds and a 3^rd to his name. Tried to lead all the way last time out in The Brother Star Memorial and only nabbed in the closing stages when 4^th beaten 2 � lengths and prior to that led all the way ALWNW2s winning impressively and posting a good 104 SF. Up in class here today and will need to improve a fair bit to trouble some of these but as I mentioned he is lightly raced and may be about to take the next step up to the big boys. Place chance.

Breeding: OLD DEUTORONOMY X MACHIVELLIAN X DANZIG

Residency: Pastures of Green

Trainer mano2 possessed high hopes for this colt from an early age, running him in an open Allowance at his first start, and deservedly so. He won the event impressively then went on to win 2 of his next 4 including a close up fourth in The Grade 3 Belgian Tike Stakes. Ranked 18^th for turf sprints, he has really hit top gear and managed to string together 7 consecutive victories which included The Grade 3 Alec & Stephen Stakes and 3 Stakes victories to boot. Recent form indicates he'll be competitive here today as he has a good 4^th in The Grade 3 Joisy Stakes, a race that has produced some good form ratings. Pattern of racing suggests this guy will attempt to lead and dictate terms to suit. May take some running down.

Breeding: EL PRADO X STORM CAT X SEATTLE SLEW

Residency: RASH

This colt has been tested only twice in Stakes grade and has been well held on those occasions, best of those being a 3^rd beaten 5 � lengths in The High Devil Memorial posting a SF of 91. Has been racing well in ALW class of late winning 3 of his last 4 including an open ALW last time posting a career high 101 SF. Will need to find many lengths to trouble some of these and place claims look best.

Breeding: FOREST WILDCAT X QUIET AMERICAN X WOODMAN

Residency: Northwest Racing Circuit

3 wins from 15 starts for this colt bnest of those being a win in The Niner Tow Challenge when run on well late to win by a head posting a 99 SP. Facing the big boys here today and may need it a touch further. However in saying that there could be a bit of a speed duel up front which set it up for a blowout and this guy fits the bill if that is the case. Will need luck but not out of it.

Breeding: JOHANNESBURG X DANZIG X MR. PROSPECTOR

Residency: GR Simsters

Lightly raced 3 year old having just his 13^th start here today but already in his short career as managed to stamp himself as a huge force to be reckoned with. Ranked No. 1 in Turf sprints, This guys has amassed 2 Grade 1 wins and a Stakes win and is coming off an ultra impressive performance in the 3 year old turf sprinters Smackdown race where he came from well back and produced a withering finishing burst to grab victory by a comfortable 1 � lengths posting a career high 106 SF. Obviously improving all the time and in this writers opinion the sky's the limit for him. With natural improvement and a perfect lead up for this prestiges event, this colt will prove very hard to beat.

Breeding: ROCK HARD TEN X STORM CAT X A.P. INDY

Residency: Blazing Saddles

Trainer appower saw potential in this guy when he claimed him for $40,000 back in April this year and so far he has lived up to that rating. Good win to lead all the way last time in The Savage Van Challenge and posted a good 103 SF. In 3 runs for his new trainer, this guy has shown improvement all the time and looks set to continue that trend. Tried to lead all the way two runs ago in The Grade 2 Snake Eyes and nearly pulled it off, going down by only 1 � lengths in 3^rd position. With the improvement this guys is showing coupled with his astute owners training ability this guy could very well show up here today and cause an upset. Good chance.

Breeding: LUJAIN X ZIETEN X RUNAWAY GROOM

Residency: Kentucky Horsemen

Nine career starts for this guy have resulted in a win and a second. Been racing in ALW class of late and has attempted Stakes class races on two occasions previously and was well held on both occasions. Its fair to say its a huge thrill to have a horse running in the Equinics but sadly I think the excitement ends there.

Breeding: REDOUTE'S CHOICE X FORMAL GOLD X DANZIG

Residency: Great Plains Residency

One attempt at Stakes level resulted in a 4^th beaten 7 � lengths in The Colonel J Handicap posting a SF of 96. Been racing well in ALW races lately and has been going through his conditions quite well including a good win last time posting a career high 101 SF. Is on the up having won 4 of his last 5 but this is a steep rise in class here and will need to show further improvement. Not the worst.

Breeding: PULPIT X STORM CAT X FORTY NINER

Residency: EAAA Racing

ust one unplaced run in 13 starts for this colt when beaten 5 lengths in a Smackdown Stakes race back in July last year on his non preferred surface, serve to demonstrate his ultra consistency. On pace runner who can lead or take a trail and has attempted Graded level on one occasion before but proved he was up to the challenge when taking out the Grade 3 Joisy Stakes comfortably by 1 � lengths posting a career high 111SF. Currently ranked 7^th for Turf sprints this guy is destined to climb that ladder and by the end of this year may very well be at the top. 6 times Stakes winner, Grade 3 winner and arguably deserved favorite in this event, seeing him greet the judge in first place here would be no surprise whatsoever. Excellent chance.

Breeding: GEORGE WASHINGTON X GONE WEST X PLEASANT COLONY

Residency: Benelux

This colt has a good record in some top class races and looks to be a strong contender in this event here today. Last time out run a good race in Grade 1 Smackdown when 4^th of 16 beaten 3 lengths and posting a 100 SF. He is a 3 time Grade 3 winner and has had some close finishes in The BB Juvenile and the World Cup Juvenile. His best races have been run over a mile but with the speed that is sure to be on here he has the ability to storm home and may get there right on the line. Knows how to mix it with the best and a forward showing would not surprise.

Breeding: STREET CRY X SUMMER SQUALL X LYPHARD

Residency: DelPenn National

This colt has gone through his classes nicely in ALW level and surprised last time when ran a great race in The Grade 1 Smackdown event finishing 2^nd beaten 1 � lengths posting a personal best 104 SF. Previous to that was a gallant 2^nd in The Niner Tow Challenge beaten a head right on the line. Every race for this guy is an improvement on the previous run and will that trend looking to continue he poses a serious threat here today. Each way claims.

Summary:

Hard to anything beating the favorite APPROPRIATELY. Proven in this grade and has a class edge. B BAUN for second and take your pick for third. Best of luck to all trainers and look forward to seeing another horse racing into Equine Immortality.