Irwin straight to the point over Capalaba feature’s main danger

By Pat McLeod

Respected New South Wales trainer Dave Irwin isn’t allowing Impress Dressel’s flattering form at Capalaba cloud his forecast of Sunday’s $18,500 Anniversary Trophy Final. 

The veteran chaser has an impressive four-from-four record at the boutique straight track.

Strengthening that form line is an improved time at each outing there, culminating in a 19.53 second personal best in his heat win last Sunday.

But, Irwin cuts straight to the most telling form ‘stat’.

“He has won four-from-four, but he hasn't come across the current best dog at Capalaba just yet, Valhalla,” Irwin said.

“That dog is the biggest danger. He's probably the only dog that could afford to do something wrong and still get there.

“I think he is a couple of lengths better than the others in the top eight.” 

The Tom Tzouvelis-trained Valhalla is the obvious obstacle for all other contenders.

In 17 starts at Capalaba Valhalla boasts 12 wins and four second placings.

Those wins have included the recent Capalaba Cup as well as the Queensland Straight Track Championship.

His best time is a red-hot 19.27 seconds. 

Irwin would love to collect the win and the $12,024 winner’s cheque, but he will be more than happy with a safe passage for his ageing speedster.

“He is four years old and has had plenty of injuries and I thought it would be good to finish off his career with a few up the straight,” Irwin says of his decision to bring Impress Dressel to Capalaba in August.

“I thought I would make things a bit easier for him.

“He has improved his time at Capalaba each time he has raced there, however with straight track racing you have to make a comparison with wind conditions, track conditions - there's all different things that you have to take into account.”

Irwin said that while box eight was ‘alright’ for his Barcia Bale and Effective Comet chaser, he would not be ‘running over the top’ of other dogs to get to his preferred middle position.

“He has been a good race dog through his career, a good chaser, but not an aggressive chaser,” Irwin said.

“If he gets into the wrong spot, he doesn't back off, but he doesn't drive.

“Some dogs are such hard chasers that if something gets in their way they will just push that dog out of the way or run straight over top of them.

“He is not like that. This bloke is more of a gentleman.”

Irwin said although he had not been a frequent visitor to Capalaba in recent years, he was a big fan of the club and straight track racing in general.

“I do really enjoy going to Capalaba because they are such good, hard-working, genuine people,” Irwin said.

“And, it's great to see such good prize money, especially up the straight. I remember racing there against the best dogs in Queensland and NSW in an invitation race and I think the winner received $2,000.

“Now it is $12,000 and it’s not their main feature race. Also, the straight track is so important for improving a dog.

“When you are working to improve a dog’s action, the only way you can do that is to put the dog up the straight and let him find his own best action.

“Straight racing with a drag lure out the front, it is a great way to improve your dog. It really is a must for every dog at some stage.”