GREYHOUND racing is often just as much about going fast as it is about avoiding contact.
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Look at Drunken Kid's victory at Kennerson Park on Monday for such an example.
Jack Townsend's Drunken Kid ($2.50 favourite) steered clear of a major tangle up to take his second career win in the $6K Maiden Series In Two Weeks Stakes (450 metres).
Four contenders almost ran themselves off the track on the turn for home, allowing Drunken Kid to sweep through along the rail and claim the victory.
Townsend said the win was a welcome one after Drunken Kid finished runner-up in three of his past four starts.
"He only got beaten by just over a length last week and he's been going alright since I brought him back in," he said.
"He's finally starting to put it together again."
There looked to be work ahead of Drunken Kid when he didn't get out the fastest from box one.
It was the two widest starters, He's Deadly and Mr. Cash, who were the best away.
After rounding the opening turn there were five dogs all within two lengths of one another - a recipe for trouble.
Drunken kid had worked to the inside of He's Deadly and Mr. Cash to form a three-wide line at the front, while Meeka's Boy and Extreme Thrill were on their tails.
The four next best-backed runners after the favourite - Rich Buddy, Mr. Cash, He's Deadl and Extreme Thrill - all drifted out of contention when they got tangled.
Drunken Kid avoided the trouble and cruised home in 26.35.
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