The season starts

It’s one thing to catch the races via simulcast or on the computer. But it’s quite another to catch the greyhounds running live.

The pounding of the dirt, the intense cornering, the rally for the finish line – you can tell that they love to do what they do.

Add in the wagering, and the growing betting pools, and you’ve got a combination that cries entertainment.

Post times Saturday are 1 and 7 p.m. Although I have a conflict early (son starts for his high school soccer team), I’ll be enjoying the races all weekend long.

A couple of the highlights are the Dubuque Inaugural (matinee) and the Maiden Debut (evening).

Click HERE for programs. Click HERE for some picks.

Notes:

* Belmont opens today.

* Keeneland closes today; Churchill Downs opens Saturday.

* Hawthorne ends its season Sunday.

Stakes:

* Southland hosts the finals of the Spring Futurity tonight.

* Mardi Gras carries the finals of the Floridian tonight.

* Bluffs Run hosts the semifinals of the 3/8ths Mile Derby Saturday.

* Keeneland has the Elkhorn today.

* Belmont kicks off with the Westchester Saturday.

* Churchill Downs has the Cliff’s Edge Saturday.

* Hawthorne offers the Pretty Jenny, Land of Lincoln, Peach, Governor’s Lady, Robert S. Molano and Milwaukee Avenue Saturday.

* Evangeline hosts the John Henry Saturday night.

* Woodbine has the Fury Sunday.

Carryovers:

* Derby Lane’s tri super is $19,860.

* Gulf’s late tri super is $17,345.

* Jacksonville’s tri super is $12,874.

* Hawthorne’s pick 9 is $10,089.

* Keeneland’s super high 5 is $12,914.