Tzouvelis successful in first step of a rich straight track quadrella

By Pat McLeod

Tom Tzouvelis, who is not unfamiliar with successful long-shot plunges, on Sunday scored the first leg of a lucrative quadrella when Valhalla stormed home to win the Queensland Straight Track Championship Final at Capalaba.

He picked up a sweet $12,025 for that victory.

But, more lucrative is the fact that it opened the door to three more possible windfalls – the National Straight Track Championship (held at Healesville on August 26 with first prize money $28,000), the Healsville Cup (September 10, first prize money $55,000) and the Capalaba Cup (October 8, first prize money $75,000).

Valhalla won ugly on Sunday, botching the start before flying home to win in 19.84 seconds ahead of Bye Bye Raider (trained by Jamie Mchugh), who is also through to the straight track Nationals, with Beck And Call (Chistine Bourke) third.

Tzouvelis explains the plan that is now unfolding.

“That was the idea for Valhalla all along,” Tzouvelis said.

“First was to target the state and then national straight track titles. With the Nationals at Healesville that gives us the chance to get some experience on that track.

“So, depending on how we go there, we can then come back for the Healesville Cup and come home for the Capalaba Cup. So that basically means big races up the straight for the next six to eight weeks."

Tzouvelis said there is good money on offer for all of these races.

"As far as the ability of the dog goes, if he could draw the eight box I would match race him with any dog up the Capalaba straight," Tzouvelis said. 

“He just does everything really well. But, he is one of those dogs that needs the wind up. That was the beauty about Sunday’s race. Although he didn't jump very well, he had the ability and the chance to wind up.

“Last week (when he ran second to We’re On One in the heat) that wasn't the case. Other runners kept coming across him and he didn't really have room to let go. He is not a dog that will bullock his way through. He needs things to go his way a bit.

“If he has leg room he has plenty of ability for a straight race. I definitely think he is a chance at Healesville in the Nationals. However, experience on that track is a big thing.”

Tzouvelis will juggle Townsville Cup commitments (heats August 18 and Final August 25) with his Nationals agenda.

“I will be sending Ayrton and Showpiece to Townsville for the Cup heats,” he said.

“They have both trialled up there and went nice. A possible plan is for me to travel to Townsville for the heats on the Friday night and then fly to Melbourne on the Sunday and trial Valhalla at Healesville.

“I have plenty of people in Melbourne who can pick the dog up if I need to send him a couple of days earlier.”

Tzouvelis was not thinking of Healesville when the lids pinged on Sunday.

“Sunday was probably the worst that Valhalla has jumped,” he said.

“I almost gave up on him as soon as the lids opened. He was two lengths behind the second-last dog when they jumped. Luckily the inside runners stayed pretty straight and he was able to weave a passage. So, he did everything wrong and still got the job done.

“I was very happy with the effort. The dog has a terrific will to win. He is very strong. He is a bit of a nervous dog, so the trip to Melbourne will do him the world of good to mature him a little bit.”

The first and second-placed dogs from Sunday’s Queensland Straight Track Championship Final go through to the National Final at Healesville.

That race will be part of the annual Nationals, with the sprint and distance Finals to the staged at The Meadows on that Saturday night (August 26).

Tzouvelis has a healthy respect for the Nationals.

“As far as the Nationals races go, we have won a few state Finals, but have never been lucky enough to win a National Final yet,” he said.

“Maurice Minor won the state (sprint) Final and Miss Gingin won the state distance Final.

“The Nationals are something we always try to win. I remember as a youngster the Nationals were one of the biggest races in the country. I remember the big names that used to race in them up every year.

“I was just a young fella going to (Melbourne’s) Sandown and Olympic Park every week and watching all those great dogs back in the late 1970s and early 1980s."

Tzouvelis said the Nationals have so much history and prestige isn't always about the money.

“You go into these types of races hopeful. But, you also have to be realistic when you are going on to somebody else's home track," Tzouvelis said. 

“The upside is that even if this trip goes pear-shaped it is valuable experience.

“So, it could be an exciting couple of months. Like anything else in life, you put your hat into the ring and try your best. If you have a bit of luck, then that’s great.”