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Parimutuels

Kennel expects Unjinx to end Classic drought

Despite many stakes titles, the Sprint Classic at Derby Lane always vexes Wayne R. Ward Inc.

By BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 8, 2003

ST. PETERSBURG -- Wayne R. Ward Inc. debuted in 1989 as the 13th kennel at Derby Lane. One year later, the kennel moved into Building 13 at the track's relocated compound.

Despite being tagged with a number full of demons, Wayne R. Ward has been lucky.

In 15 seasons, the kennel has won almost every major stakes race at Derby Lane, including the All-Star Kennel Preview, the Distance Classic and the St. Petersburg Derby.

But for all the championships Wayne R. Ward possesses, one title is missing: the $85,000 Sprint Classic. (This is the largest purse for a five-sixteenth-mile race.)

Tonight, the kennel could bring home the first with WW Unjinx Me, whose name fits the quest.

The 2-year-old red male won his past three qualifying rounds and is the points leader (56) entering the final, the 10th race tonight.

"The reason we haven't won before is we just didn't have the best dog," said Jay Graham, trainer for Wayne R. Ward. "Each year, there always seems to be a dog that's head and shoulders above everyone else.

"This year, we kind of poked our head out in front with Unjinx. He's certainly got momentum."

WW Unjinx Me also has the inside track on post positions. The greyhound, which runs close to the rail, drew the No.2 post.

"If you gave me a clean slate of posts to pick from, this would be the one I'd choose," Graham said. "We wouldn't want to trade with anyone. It's perfect. That's right about where he likes to run."

Though the planets seem aligned for WW Unjinx Me to win, he has competition.

Cayman Went of Bahama Mama Kennel won two qualifying races and is second in points with 48. The brindle male is in the No.5 post.

Party Punch, running out of the No.7 post, is the brother of Cayman Went and the only female in the field of eight. She is trying to become the second female to win the stakes race. Montague Maze was the first (1976).

Others competing are Tyler Clem (No.1 post), Narmada (No.3), Ben Awhile (No.4), Lookalike (No.6) and Dotties Dynamo (No.8).

"It's going to be one of the closest races we've had in a while," Graham said. "We might not even go off as the betting favorite. But it'll be fun.

"I'm just going to sit back, watch and enjoy. We've won three in a row, and I keep telling (Unjinx Me) he just has to do it one more time."

Admission is free to today's races, including the matinee (family day) and Sprint Classic.

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