Tzouvelis’ kennel leads numbers game in Ipswich Finals

By Pat McLeod

Fresh from plundering Capalaba Cup riches, prominent South East Queensland trainer Tom Tzouvelis has now set his sights on the lucrative pickings of the Ipswich Cup carnival.

The Park Ridge mentor claimed the $75,000 bounty for taking out the Queensland straight track major feature on October 8 with Valhalla.

His Ipswich assault hits overdrive this Saturday night with seven representatives across the Derby and Futurity Finals, with both run over 520 metres.

These two features each offer $30,000 to the winner.

This may pale in comparison to the $150,000 that will go to the winner of the Ipswich Cup, but for Tzouvelis, who has no major Cup threat, small fish are sweet.

“The prize money is vastly improved this year,” Tzouvelis said.

“I remember winning the Derby Final just a couple of years ago with Maurice Minor and the first prize was $8,000.

“Last year it was $10,000.

“All credit to Racing Queensland’s Dale Cartwright (board member) and Adam Wallish (Executive General Manager of Operations), who have listened to the industry in relation to where prize money should be increased.

“These Ipswich races have been lifted up to where they should be. So, it is not surprising to see dogs competing in the Derby and Futurity such as Carton Of Bear, who ran 30.28 seconds in the heats.

“That is the calibre of dogs that you will get.”

Tzouvelis’ kennel has three starters in the Derby – I’m Peakin’ and litter mates Lightning Buzz and Tagovailoa.

He has four in the Futurity – recent arrival Fancy Gift and litter mates Scarlatti, Saanvi and Sanisha.

Five of these dogs are under Tzouvelis’s name and two, I’m Peakin’ and Tagovailoa, are trained by kennel lieutenant Jedda Cutlack.

“The Futurity is a very even field,” Tzouvelis said.

“You have a top dog like Jewel Bee, who has been around for a while. (Trainers) Mary and Ray (Burman) have had a great run with her breed for a long time.

“She was impressive in the heats. Jamie Hosking’s pair (Bantam Magic and Jen’s Joy) have speed to lead.

“Mrs. Musgrave (trained by Renald Attard) has also got plenty of early speed. Our dogs are just behind them as far as early speed goes. But, we are definitely stronger.

“Anything in the race can win it, depending who gets the luck. Hopefully we have the numbers on our side to get one of them home.”

Tzouvelis said the Derby Final was also packed with quality performers, however he admitted he does have a sentimental favourite if his kennel does not salute.

“If we couldn't win this race it would be great for Kerri to win it,” he said, referring to Kerri-Lyn Harkness, who trains Fancy A Scotch in the Derby.

“She recently won the Ladies Trainers’ Final at Ipswich and her kennel is in very good form.

“Kerri gives us a hand when needed. She is always ready to help out. She is such a genuinely nice person that would do anything for you.”

Tzouvelis said the Ipswich 520 metre track record holder Blue Hornet (Ray Burman) was the ‘measuring stick’ in this race.

“The dog is so versatile,” he said.

“It is a credit to Ray and Mary training-wise. Not many dogs can go up to 700 metres and then come back and sprint so well.

“He is not an old dog and yet he has almost done everything already.”

Tzouvelis said his runners had drawn awkwardly in the Derby.

“It is a tricky draw for my three,” he said.

“I'm Peakin’ (box four) wants the outside fence. Lightning Buzz (box five) will stay in the middle of the track. Tagovailoa (box six) will be aiming for the rails.

“So, the draw is upside down for us.”

Tzouvelis said although Lightning Buzz was most likely the kennel’s best hope in the Derby, victory for I’m Peakin’ would be a fitting reward for the ‘quiet achiever’.

“I'm Peakin’ has made a Vince Curry Maiden Final, a Capalaba Cup Final, and a Capalaba Young Guns Final," he said. 

“So, it would be nice for him to win one.

“He has been the quiet achiever in the kennel.

“He just keeps ticking away. He doesn't run the hands off the clock anywhere, but he's just ultra consistent.”