Derby Treble A “Relief” For Stand-In Trainer

STAND-IN trainer Jedda Cutlack was more relieved on Saturday at Ipswich than when she landed the Silver Dollars at Albion Park two weeks ago.

STAND-IN trainer Jedda Cutlack was more relieved on Saturday night at Ipswich than when she landed the Molly Campbell Silver Dollars at Albion Park two weeks ago.

That's because Jedda, minding the Tom Tzouvelis kennel while he is in hospital, landed all three heats of the Ipswich Derby.

She trains Showdown, a 30.41 heat winner, and was in charge of Strategise (30.50 in his heat) and Sleuth (30.35 the quickest heat winner) for Tzouvelis.

“I felt better winning the three heats than I did the Molly Campbell final with Showdown,” Cutlack said.

All three heat winners were bred and are raced by Peter and Sonia Davis, Showdown is by SH Avatar and Sawadee, while Strategise and Sleuth are littermates by Allen Deed from Dokmai.

“Yes, it was a good night,” Cutlack added.

Of Showdown she was relieved he was able to come off the eight box to win.

“At his only other run at Ipswich he came out ordinary and never ran on at all,” she said. “I was worried from the eight box he might put in something like that.

“But he began well and went great. I would prefer him from an inside draw in the final (he has the seven) but if he can begin again, he will be hard to beat.”

Sleuth went the quickest of the heats and is a pocket dynamo at just 28.4kgs.

“But, to look at him, he is very well proportioned and doesn't look that small until you put him on the scales,” she said.

“He is the only male in the kennel who we have to dig out a bitch's muzzle forwhen he goes racing. He is the best of our three finalists.”

Of Strategise she believes the dog is getting stronger with more racing.

Tom was in his hospital bed last night watching closely.

“Gee, I've got plenty of time to do the form these days,” he said. “And, what a great job Jedda is doing with the dogs. We talk every morning about the plans for the dogs.

“Jedda has learnt so much being part of our operation and we could not do without her especially since I've been to Darwin and then Townsville with some of the dogs for their Cups.”

Tzouvelis had a cancer scare back in December and is undergoing tests in hospital now. He expects to be out of action for a few weeks at least.

Long-time Ipswich Club stalwart, Merv Page, landed one heat of the Futurity with Sweet Indie in 30.48 while Matt Heilbronn's Group 3 Townsville Cup winner Dulceria backed up to win her heat of the Futurity in 30.45.

The Tzouvelis kennel also has This Is Real in the Futurity final.

Ipswich Derby Final (in box draw): 1 Running Express, 2 Strategise, 3 Interrogate, 4 Light My Flyer, 5 Call Me Rip, 6 Sleuth, 7 Showdown, 8 Feel The Beat.

Ipswich Futurity Final (in box draw): 1 Pokie Payout, 2 Sweet Indie, 3 Spring Kono, 4 Dulceria, 5 This Is Real, 6 I'm Explosive, 7 Tyanna Belle, 8 Mere Magic.

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