660-yard greyhound races
, also called routes or 3/8ths of a mile races, are a test of speed and stamina. There are probably two or three of these distance races on each program at most dog tracks, but some venues, such as Naples-Fort Myers in Florida, will often have entire cards comprised of 660-yard greyhound races. Knowing what to look for while handicapping these contests can put some spending money in your pocket.
Instructions
1. Identify where the lead is coming from. The early speed greyhounds absolutely have to be near the front in a 660-yard race, as the dogs that make up ground late will easily run them down if they aren't. If you are able to handicap the dog that will get the jump on the rest of the field, you can often then "throw out" (not use in any of your wagers) the other early speedsters. Without the lead they will tend to fade in the latter stages of the affair.
2. Choose a late speed dog that won't be too far behind. A 660-yard race is not so long that a closing specialist has all day to make up ground. If a greyhound finds itself in last place or seventh at the first call, with only 330 yards to go, it has too many dogs to catch to have a realistic chance to win. Dogs that can come from behind but are able to get in position early to do so are much safer bets.
3. Carefully consider the one dog. The 660-yard race comes out of the starting box and then goes right into the far turn. Greyhounds that can break alertly from the one hole and outrun the traffic to that bend have a great advantage on the field, Conversely, if the one dog fails to break, the other dogs will come down on to the inside portion of the track jockeying for position, making it difficult for the one to contend early. A fast breaker in the far outside eight box also has an edge, but only if he comes out of the box with alacrity.
4. Don't try to beat the top dogs. Most tracks run mixed-grade 660-yard races since there is a shortage of true distance greyhounds nowadays. This means that some talented dogs will run up some impressive streaks of finishing first or second as they draw in with a few lesser fields. Rather than throw money away trying to find someone to knock off these standouts, attempt to find a dog at a higher price to run second or third and complete a quinnela or trifecta wager.
5. Watch for sprinters coming into the 660-yarders for the first time. If a dog is being put into a distance by its trainer, there is a reason for it. If the dog has dominated the 550-yard races by going to the lead and pulling away, it often can handle the extra yardage. Dogs that charge late in the sprints will have more time to close in the 3/8ths of a mile. However, you may be wise to let them run a race or two at their new distance before going to the windows on them. Allow them to get accustomed to breaking into a turn and running 110 yards more than they normally do.
6. Bet on the double drops. Greyhound handicappers look for dogs that are going down two grades, such as from grade A to C or from B to D. These animals have been in with tougher company in the 660-yard routes recently and may get to show their stuff versus against dogs with less ability. Plus their lines won't be very impressive, which could enable a player to get a decent payoff.
Tags: 660-yard race, 660-yard greyhound, 660-yard greyhound races, 8ths mile, Dogs that