Conor Crook is preparing for a cross-code weekend.
The harness racing trainer will have to run two runners at Friday night’s Launceston meeting before saddling up his first runner as a thoroughbred trainer in Devonport on Sunday.
His Launceston runners include Machs Mareta, who lines up in the opening race of the program, a National Rating 40 to 44 event over 2200m.
The 11-year-old mare will be chasing back-to-back wins after a victory on 25 May.
“That is her grade, and as long as things go her way, she is always thereabouts.
“It looks the same again on Friday, and if the lead time is genuine enough, it will bring us into the race, and she shouldn’t be far away,” said Crook.
Hot Embers is Crook’s other Launceston stable representative in race four, with the well-travelled pacer returning to Tasmania after a New South Wales campaign.
“I wasn’t sold on him his first few hitouts, but his last couple have been a lot better, so hopefully, he isn’t far away.
“We will probably be tentative from the draw, and hopefully, he gets home good.”
Crook then turns his attention to the thoroughbred meeting in Devonport, where he becomes the state’s latest dual-code trainer.
“I have always had an interest in the gallops, but Jordy’s (Chibnall) family have about a half dozen in work, so the interest sparked a bit more when we were based in Victoria,” said Crook.
“We own a couple with them, and we brought a couple when we were over there.
Crook intends to train the same number of pacers as he does at present while he hopes to build numbers quickly on the galloping side.
“I will see how it goes, but I am pretty keen on the idea of doing it full-time,” said Crook
Geegees Jet By lines up in the fourth race of the program.
“I don’t think he will be far away. I have been happy with him at home, and he seems good. He obviously has got a bit of ability himself when trained by Stuart Gandy, and I think he will run a good race,” Crook said about the gelding’s chances.
