Tzouvelis claims ‘six-pack’ including Molly Campbell feature

By Pat McLeod

Prolific winner Tom Tzouvelis climbed to an incredible new level on Thursday night, claiming six winners on the 10-race Albion Park program.

Even more noteworthy was that one of those to salute was Autumn Storm ($13) in the night’s feature – the $23,000 Molly Campbell Silver Dollars Final. 

“Any time you get a winner on a Thursday night in town is a good night,” Tzouvelis said.

“We never take wins for granted. Recently we have gone home a couple of times with our tail between our legs.

“So, every win is special, but a night like this, well that is very special.

"But, I really want to emphasise that this success comes about because of an incredibly hard-working and talented group of people I have around me.

“It wouldn’t happen without especially (fellow kennel trainer) Jedda (Cutlack), my son Nick, and Brad Belford, who has been helping out since relocating from Townsville.

“I have had five winners a couple of times at Capalaba, the most recent was the day my dad (Nick) passed away.

“I have had a number of trebles on a Thursday night at Albion Park, but can’t recall ever doing better than that.”

Tzouvelis said he was rapt to claim his first Molly Campbell trophy, although the kennel has won the feature once before with Showdown (trained by Cutlack) in 2021.

“This is a race I have been trying to win for years,” Tzouvelis said.

“I thought Autumn Storm could run second or third depending on the luck. The whole field was very good, so, I thought she was a good place chance.

“Her recent form doesn't say that she's brilliant, but she has had some really tough racing and has raced some really good dogs. I have been a bit tough on her because I knew the ability she did have.    

“I think when she goes further she should be even better. I think she will be a front-running stayer. Whether she runs 700 metres I am not sure, but I am very confident she can run 600 metres.”

Autumn Storm claimed the Molly Campbell Silver Dollars Final, just edging out Adam Mcintosh’s Golden Bear, with More Than Money (Pamela Field) third, in 29.91 seconds. 

Tzouvelis’ winning run started on Thursday night by claiming races two, three and four – all masters 520 metre events – with Scintillate ($2.50), Amendola ($4) and Showpiece ($7.50).

He was back on the ‘podium’ for race six, with I’m Old School winning a fifth grade race over 520 metres.

Win number five came via the Molly Campbell.

Then in the last race of the night, race 10, Tzouvelis’ Prim And Precise ($3.10) scored in a fifth grade race over 520 metres.

Overall Tzouvelis had eight starters across seven races and finished with six wins, a third and a sixth.

He is now contemplating a possible Townsville Cup campaign (heats on August 30) for Autumn Storm.

Tzouvelis equalled the feat of another successful South East Queensland trainer, Cyndie Elson, who also trained six winners on a Thursday night, December 2, 2021.

In another racing highlight on Thursday night, Tim Britton’s Red Dirt Road continued his incredibly successful run at Albion Park.

The Space Star and Shiny Bright chaser made it six from six from the 710 metre start at ‘The Creek’ in a free for all race with another of his runners, First Picked, second and Tom Tzouvelis’ Pursuer third in 41.82 seconds (a personal best for Red Dirt Road).

“He is racing really well right now,” Britton said after the win.

“As soon as we got him up to 700 metres it was like he'd found his home.

“He has definitely found his right distance. He is also continuing to improve, which is a great sign. We will see how he goes over the next few weeks and then we might look at going to some of the summer carnival races.

“I haven't really decided what or where we might target, but it is starting to warm up and there will be plenty to choose from soon. He is in form. He is strong. He deserves his chance.”