Disaster Scuppers Chief Minister's Cup

TOP Queensland trainer Tom Tzouvelis firmly believes the name "Tom" has a bogey against it in regards to the popular Darwin Cup carnival.

QUEENSLAND trainer Tom Tzouvelis firmly believes the name “Tom” has a bogey against it in regards to the Darwin Cup carnival.

On Sunday night, Tzouvelis had three runners in the Listed Chief Minister's Cup and much improved bitch Sunburst “led throughout”.

The trouble was, a four-dog fall at the first turn resulted in one of the fallen brigade turning back into the field as they turned for home.

The $15,000-to-the-winner finale sensationally called a ‘no-race' due to the disastrous circumstances.

“While it did not appear to hit any of the four runners left in the race, the stewards ruled it had touched the lure and they had no option to rule the Cup a no race,” Tzouvelis said.

“I remember years ago, the late Tom Patterson had a dog in front in a big race during the Darwin carnival and it was declared a no race as well.

“It is the name Tom? Are we jinxed?,” he joked.

The prizemoney for the Cup was split among the eight finalists, each receiving $2800.

“After the way she won her heat, I thought Sunburst was never in doubt when she jumped and led,” Tzouvelis said.

“Sonia and Peter Davis sent her up to me to give her a try and she has improved out of sight in recent times.

“And I thought Cooper Dooper was going to run third in the Cup on Sunday.”

All three of the Tzouvelis kennel will progress to the heats of the Group 3 Darwin Cup this Sunday.

“With the uncertainty surrounding the Million Dollar Chase, I'm tipping some smart dogs could be sent to Darwin for the series,” Tzouvelis said.

 

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