Conor Crook and Jordan Chibnall are building on their Tasmanian presence, and that continues in Launceston on Sunday night.
Crook, formerly of New South Wales, and Chibnall from Victoria, had been based in Tasmania for several years before relocating to Victoria in mid-2022.
They have given horses preparations in the state since, with Chibnall currently based in Tasmania and Crook expected to arrive in the state in the next couple of weeks.
“I’m looking after seven horses down here, and Conor will be down in the next two weeks with a couple more, so hopefully, there is less work for me to do.
The Crook stable has two runners in Sunday’s feature, the $20,000 Tasmanian Horse Transport Show Cup (2200m), including recent Metropolitan Cup winner Magnetic Terror, who Chibnall will drive.
“I was rapt with him (in the Metropolitan Cup). He did a really good job and really wanted to chase Keayang Fitzy down that day,” Chibnall said.
The Terror To Love gelding passed $100,000 in stake earnings when second to Keayang Fitzy in a 2698m Discretionary on 15 September.
“I thought he was great. We missed the start, and I got a bit of white-line fever, so I came a bit early. I was still rapt with him, and I thought he did really well, and I’m looking forward to Sunday.”
With a second row of the front mark, there won’t be a 10m tape as per ORI policy.
“I reckon he was looking at the tape last start, so having no tape will be an advantage for him,” said the driver.
Chibnall is also overseeing the preparation of High Flying Harry, who will be having his first start in the state with Rohan Hillier in the sulky.
“He is a quirky horse, and I think Rohan (Hillier) will really suit him. He trialled well at Carrick last week, and they got on really well, which is his issue. You have to get along with him, and he and Rohan seem to have clicked,” said Chibnall.
The Show Cup also sees the return of this year’s Devonport and Hobart Cup winner, Mickey Oh, who will start off a 20m handicap.
Another interstate pacer stepping out for the first time in the state is multiple country cup winner from earlier this year, Glenledi Elvis, in race three, with connections getting the pacer into the 65 to 79 rated event courtesy of the three-point claim for Jacob Duggan.
“He is a smart horse, and we are lucky to get him from Mick Boots, and hopefully, he can bring his Riverina form to Tassie,” said Chibnall.
Boots also owns one of the pacer’s main dangers, Maddis Tiger.
Chibnall will also drive My Ultimate Romeo in race seven.
“He is coming to the end of his racing days, but he is my all-time favourite.
The eight-race card commences at 17:45.
