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Husker Magic heads field for Fall Sprint at Derby Lane

 
Published Oct. 3, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — With a bull's-eye on her back, Husker Magic has her own target to shoot at tonight in the $50,000 Fall Sprint at Derby Lane.

It is the final stakes race of the year for the Abernathy kennel greyhound, a final opportunity for the All-America standout to make a lasting impression toward 2015 industry awards.

"I think (a win) is very key for her," National Greyhound Association executive director Gary Guccione said. "She looks to be sure to get on the All-American team for a second time. As far as getting those higher awards like (All-America) captainship or Rural Rube (for nation's top sprinter), this could be very key."

When Husker Magic starts in Race 10 at 9:47 p.m., she is expected to be the wagering favorite for the 48th consecutive time at Derby Lane under kennel owners Jim and Kayruth Abernathy. The 42-month-old female out of a litter by Rhythmless and Casino Zada faces seven rivals, and she has more at stake than the $22,000 first-place paycheck.

Husker Magic, who is attempting to become what is believed to be the first dog to win three consecutive track win titles, can be the first greyhound to capture the Fall Sprint by sweeping all five races in the nine-year-old series.

A victory would give Husker Magic a third stakes crown this year, and raise her lifetime win total to 91 from 142 starts. The 69-pound dog will surpass $100,000 in career earnings by finishing fourth or better.

The 550-yard event has been a springboard to national recognition. Of the previous Fall Sprint winners, five claimed All-America awards in their title seasons. Three dogs — Joey Ice (2014), Flying Coal City (2010) and Flying Stanley (2007) — were All-America captains and Rural Rube recipients.

"There haven't been too many females that have captured anything of that magnitude," Guccione said. "We've had some champion greats in the past like Miss Whirl, a three-time All-American. But it's fairly rare."

Miss Whirl, who raced in Florida, was an All-America selection in 1965-67. She is tied for 13th on the sport's all-time win list with 115. Jr's Ripper is first at 143. Sarasota Kennel Club has named its clubhouse the Miss Whirl Club in honor of the 54-pound dog who raced there.

"The other rare feat (for Husker Magic) is the number of wins," Guccione said. "We publish the list in our bi-monthly magazine of who the top all-time winners are. It starts at 80 and Husker Magic broke into that list.

When you get up to 90 and 100 wins, there aren't many greyhounds that have won that many races. It looks like she could still win quite a few more."

The Fall Sprint field from the rail: Jw Kromekote (Capabal kennel), Magic Husker (Abernathy), Lk's Che Chio (Lashmet), Fiesta Mercury (Alderson), Husker Magic, Deja Flew Again (Floyd), Highlyclassified (Farmer) and Hs Birdtheword (McAllister).