Heading to the Darwin Cup has become an annual tradition for Tom Tzouvelis and he is hoping he can enjoy a winner this time around.
The three heats for this year’s Group 3 537m race take place on Monday and have attracted some handy performers.
Among Tzouvelis’s two entrants is Le Sirenuse, an impressive newcomer who has secured seven wins from 17 starts so far.
The experienced trainer is hoping to score a long-awaited win and is in confident mood.
“It’s been a fairly lucky race for us,” Tzouvelis, who works out of the Gold Coast hinterland town of Ormeau, said.
“I've been going up there about nine or ten years. I’ve had plenty of placings up there but never won it.
“It’s a bit of a racing holiday to come up here. The weather is good, the track is in great order and the people are nice and friendly.”
Le Sirenuse, who goes from box two in Monday’s third heat, has six other placings to her name and has gone over 520m since her debut.
“She’s pretty strong, so the distance should suit her,” Tzouvelis said.
“She’s pretty inexperienced but she has come through the grades nicely.
“She’s well drawn so provided she handles the track well then she’ll be hard to beat.”
Le Sirenuse could face a tough challenge from the Robert Britton-trained Farmor Las Vegas.
The box eight campaigner has won 22 of 57 starts and has notable triumphs at Sandown Park and The Meadows to his name.
Tzouvelis also has Tee Brady, a handy performer who has 11 wins and 19 placings from 45 starts, going in the first heat.
He could face tough opposition from Darren McDonald’s Where’s The Surf (box four) and box two’s Swansea Jacky, who has more than 20 wins to her name and is a Darwin regular.
“Tee Brady is a good dog,” Tzouvelis said. “He has done well at Wentworth Park and is in good racing form at the moment.
“You’ve got to be optimistic and I’m quietly confident in these two.”
Britton and McDonald also have handy performers Engine Alley and Rumbling Rick respectively going in the second heat.
The final takes place on Friday, August 1 and has a $25,000 first prize.
