SECRET Story lived right up to his ultra-short quote in Sunday’s Capalaba Derby Final, jumping a firm $1.18 favourite before the lids even lifted — and never giving backers a moment of doubt.
Fresh off a sharp 1.75-length heat win the previous week, the Shima Shine x Ice Cream Story chaser exploded from his wide draw, crossing cleanly to lead before easing into the centre of the track. From there, it was all professionalism. Pop Said Yes loomed late, but Secret Story refused to give him any chance, powering to the line to secure yet another feature victory.
Kennelmate Zipping Sweeny rounded out the placings in third.
The result adds further shine to a career that only continues to build momentum. Secret Story now boasts 14 wins and seven placings from 24 starts — a slick 57 per cent winning strike rate. The Derby triumph also follows last month’s lucrative Capalaba Cup win, where he pocketed $75,000 and reaffirmed his status as one of the venue’s most explosive short-course specialists.
Trainer Tom Tzouvelis also collected a personal milestone, going back-to-back in the Derby after winning the 2024 edition with Hail The Chief. And with Secret Story in this kind of form, few would be keen to take him on anytime soon.
Ideas Girl Claims Futurity Upset
Earlier in the afternoon, the Capalaba Futurity Final produced a surprise as Ideas Girl delivered a composed, well-timed run to snatch the feature.
Reigning Group 3 Ipswich Futurity winner Canya Romance began the $2.20 favourite but missed the kick from box four and was never a factor.
Red Hot Penny spearheaded the early charge before Ideas Girl surged late, sweeping past to claim the $7,500 winner’s purse.
The win was her chance at redemption after finishing second in her heat last week, less than a length behind winner Zipping Choi.
The Ferdinand Boy x Some Idea chaser, trained by John Quarman, now owns a tidy record of 14 wins and seven placings from 37 starts, with career earnings surpassing $40,000.
