Crook lands first winners from new base

28 June 2025 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
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Conor Crook trained his first winners since relocating his team to the property formally used by Dick Eaves at Karoola, with a training double in Launceston on Friday night.

His partner Jordan Chibnall was in the sulky for both winners.

Five-year-old Sweet Lou mare Sugarpova ($2.60) got the ball rolling for the pair when claiming a 57 to 60 national rating pace over 1680m.

The mare produced sufficient gate speed to hold the lead and dictate affairs and was always holding Sabine ($2.05 fav) late, with a neck between the pair, with Hes Apples ($10) a further 10.5m away third in a mile rate. 1:57.9s.

“She has got a few feet problems that we have been tackling, so hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards,” said Crook.

“Leading is not really her thing. She likes doing nothing and then working home.

“Hopefully, we can work her through her grades, and if she is still here summer time, we may look at some country cups.

The mare started her racing career in New Zealand before being purchased by Mick Boots, where she continued her racing career in Victoria and South Australia.

Crook and Chibnall concluded their double with Art Major mare Ruebe Starbuck ($4.20) scoring at her first win in the state.

The mare flew out from barrier six and was able to cross over to the pegs by the winning post the first time, and proved too strong late for Do It ($12) and Wazza ($2.40 fav) in a mile rate of 1:58.8s for the 2200m no more than three life time win event.

“She was good. I like her,” said the trainer.

“That’s half the battle won (with her good gate speed). If you can lob on speed down here in Tassie, and if you can get a breather and dash again, you will win a few races.

“She had a little bug when she came from Victoria, and she had been getting over it.

“That’s not the best of her, but she is really quick, and I think she can do a good job,” the trainer added.

Junior driver Brodie Davis drove five-year-old mare Ashante Queen ($4.20) to another win in The Bottle-O Hadspen Pace (2200m).

The win was the driver’s 100th career win.

 

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