Tzouvelis reaps rewards from drastic direction change

By Pat McLeod

About six years ago, high-profile greyhound industry figure Tom Tzouvelis changed direction.

A significant part of what he did back then - up to 50 per cent of his work day – was to be the expert eye for other people’s dogs.

“I had always done that and really enjoyed it,” Tzouvelis said.

“I would travel around checking a lot of dogs, going all over the place. But, about six years ago I made a major decision and decided, enough was enough.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to help other people, I still do to a degree, but I decided that the focus now needed to be on my dogs, on me as a trainer.

“I started to scale things back in one direction and put more attention and time into my own dogs. That has been the major difference and I believe the success our kennel has been having stems from that.”

That ‘success’ has been significant.

This weekend is a glaring example.

On Friday night in Townsville, Tzouvelis has $8.50 chance Scarlatti in the $75,000-to-the-winner, Group 2 Townsville Cup Final over 498 metres.

On Sunday, 2050km further south, he will launch Valhalla in the $40,000-to-the-winner, Group 2 Healesville Cup Final over 350 metres.

Both dogs will exit from box eight.

A trainer having multiple Group race runners across a few days is unusual, but not rare.

Tzouvelis does maintain a large team at his Park Ridge kennels, in Brisbane.

However, the 50-year-old’s strike rate at making Finals in black-type races is rare.

His greyhounds are not only consistent, but consistent at the high end of the industry.

“There are a number of reasons behind our recent success and certainly the extra focus and time spent on our own kennel is probably the main one,” Tzouvelis says.

“But, also, these days I try to keep a more selective kennel and that has been helped by the fact that we have been blessed by the quality of dogs that we are getting.

“We may not have had the out-and-out stars, although I class Valhalla in that bracket. The rest are very good dogs that are just below that top Group level, but they have made a good fist of doing what they do.

“And, keeping them on the track, keeping them sound is part of the success and a direct result of me being able to focus more on my kennel.

“Also, another key aspect, and what I believe we have been pretty good at, is the ability to be able to place a dog. That is so important across a greyhound’s race life.”

Fate also played a role in the restructuring of the Tzouvelis operating manual.

Four years ago come December, he became gravely ill.

It took almost a year for him to win a battle with cancer.

That experience did have an upside.

“After I was ill, I certainly also focused on a better balance in life and that has certainly helped as well,” Tzouvelis says.

“You need good people around you and I am very lucky to have that. If you don't have that you don't have the balance.

“More balance also means a better mindset, you are fresher and therefore able to operate better.”

As far as this weekend’s Finals go, Tzouvelis’ two dogs may be completely different, but both need to follow the same game plan for victory.

“Neither of my finalists are good beginners,” Tzouvelis explains.

“So, both need to be close enough to be a winning chance.

“Scarlatti is a hit and miss beginner, but on her day she is very fast. The time reflected that last week with what she ran in the Cup heat (28.36 seconds). Because she hasn't got the early speed, it all comes down to how close she can stay with them early.

“From what I can gather the one (She’s A Bumpy), three (Diva Signal), four (Mepunga Shine) and five (Federal Remark), have got the speed in the race and it depends on who gets ‘the fly’.

“If the favourite, Mepunga Shine, gets on the bunny I don't think any of us can beat him. He is a class dog, a Group 1-winner.

“I have no doubt that Scarlatti can match them for ability. It just comes down to how much start she gives them. I do like her draw (eight). It just works for her. It enables her to stretch her legs and go.”

Tzouvelis says Valhalla is a much more improved dog than the one that missed a place in last year’s Healesville Cup, running second to straight track great Unleash Collinda in the heats.

“I hope Sunday is the day for Valhalla,” Tzouvelis says.

“When we took him away last year, he was pretty young, still learning the ropes and had not hit the next level."

Tzouvelis believes the trip last year to Healesville was the making of Valhalla.

“This time around (after winning last week’s heat), we have got a clear run early from the eight and that was the one thing that I was worried about because he does like a bit of leg room," Tzouvelis said. 

“We have done what we needed to do. We have got through to the Final. Now we have to finish the job. On times this is probably the toughest-ever Healesville Cup Final.

“The key for us is just not walking out of the gates. Valhalla just has to come out OK. He can't give a big start to these dogs.

“If he is on their rump early I know that he will finish strong. You can write a winning story for every one of these. It is not a race you can be confident about, but we will get our chance.”