LOCAL master trainer Tom Tzouvelis stamped his authority on Capalaba’s biggest afternoon of pre-final action, producing a powerhouse display across both the Derby and Futurity heats.
With standout performers Armarta, Secret Story, and surprise packet Zipping Choi all saluting, the Tzouvelis kennel sent a clear warning shot ahead of this Sunday’s finals—any contender hoping to lift a trophy will have to get past his in-form team.
In the first of two heats of the Capalaba Derby over the famed 366m straight, Armarta delivered a commanding, professional display to announce himself as a major contender for this Sunday’s Final.
The in-form Shima Shine x Femme Folle chaser has now claimed nine wins from 11 career starts—all at Capalaba—since debuting in September.
Sent out a dominant $1.24 favourite, he justified the support with a polished, no-nonsense performance that secured him a smooth passage into the decider.
Running a brave second was fellow market fancy Pop Said Yes for trainer Corey Mutton, who continues to impress with four wins and a second from five starts.
Idea’s Man, from the John Quarman kennel, finished third.
The Tzouvelis kennel landed the Derby double in the second heat, with Secret Story cruising home as the $1.30 favourite.
The Shima Shine x Ice Cream Story dog—already the Capalaba Cup champion at $2.90—will be looking to secure another feature title on the weekend.
Levi Design ran on strongly for second, with Satoshi in third.
Attention then turned to the Capalaba Futurity for the girls, where Canya Romance, trained by Andrew Mulrine, justified her $1.16 favouritism with another slick performance.
The Bernardo x Opal Rocks chaser is fresh off her Group 3 Ipswich Futurity win last month and looks primed for another big result.
But the afternoon saved one more highlight for Tzouvelis, with Zipping Choi taking out the second Futurity heat at $4.20, delivering the trainer his third feature-heat victory of the day and underscoring his commanding presence heading into Finals Day.
