Despite a royal threat Tzouvelis has numbers in his favour

By Pat McLeod

Emerging track star King Of Aces may cast a formidable shadow over Thursday night’s Molly Campbell Silver Dollars Final over 520 metres at Albion Park, but trainer Tom Tzouvelis at least has the numbers game in his favour.

Four runners in the age-restricted race come from Tzouvelis’ Park Ridge (Brisbane) kennel – three trained by Jedda Cutlack and one by Tzouvelis.

The threat from King Of Aces, who scorched home in 29.54 seconds in last week’s heat, looks all-consuming.

However, should the youngster, trained by Northern NSW’s Col Graham, find trouble, Tzouvelis’ quartet are in waiting.

Three of his finalists – Mr. Takeover, Lightning Buzz and Tagovailoa – are a totally home-bred litter.

The sire is Tzouvelis’ well-performed Maurice Minor (81 starts for 22 wins and 27 placings for $124,081 in prize money).

The mother is another of his successful veteran race stars, Del Rey (99 starts for 20 wins and 40 placings for $139,160).

All six litter-mates have had track success, with the three Thursday night Finalists so far the most successful.

“Tagovailoa was disappointing last week,” Tzouvelis said.

“He missed the start, did a few things wrong and hopefully goes better this week.

“Mr. Takeover went very well for an inexperienced dog. He's normally a leader and didn't jump well last week.

“Lightning Buzz, well last week was the worst he's probably jumped in his career so far.

"He did run on well, albeit a long way off the leader (King Of Aces).”

Tzouvelis was happy with the heat performance of the fourth kennel representative in the final – I’m Old School.

“He’s very young and still learning,” Tzouvelis said.
“I was happy with his run last week. He's up in grade and for a young dog he handled himself well last week in stronger opposition.

“But, even apart from King Of Aces, this is a good field.

“Carton Of Bear (trained by Brent Kline, who was the second heat winner last week) is a smart young dog who possesses very good early speed and has a promising future.

“Tarawi Magic (Peter O’Reilly) is getting stronger each run and Bantam Magic (Jamie Hosking) is well- bred and raced very well last week from the same draw.”

However, like most in the industry, Tzouvelis is excited by the prospects of King Of Aces, describing the dog as ‘exceptional’.

“He is one of the most impressive young dogs to come out of Albion Park for quite some time,” Tzouvelis said.

“He jumped better last week and once on the lure he showed how strong he is.

“His 12.46 second run home is that of Group 1 class dogs and there is every likelihood he will run over more ground as he gets older.”

King Of Aces (Hooked On Scotch - Distant Star) does ooze star quality.

His record to date is four wins and a third from five outings.

He is unbeaten in three starts at ‘The Creek’.