Moonbi trainer-driver Dean Chapple has a substantial lead in the driver's premiership after notching up yet another winning double at the Tamworth harness meeting recently.
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Pilot Pete, from his own stables, was the first to place Chapple in the winner's circle, with an all the- way win in the Bearing Accessories Now Open at Mayday Place Taminda Pace.
"He is really quick this horse," Chapple said.
"We have never had him in front and especially with that strong head wind it was like uncharted waters for us."
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Facing tough conditions, runners had to contend with a strong head wind in the back straight.
"We landed in front and there were no attackers so we just let him roll along," Chapple said.
From the outset, Pilot Pete went straight to the lead from the one barrier while Mickee Cullen from the Jarred Hetherington stables, driven by 18-year-old Emma Ison, raced out in the breeze.
"I wasn't all that confident, as we have worked him out in front a couple of times and he has gone hopeless," Chapple said.
"But today, [Thursday] he kept whacking away".
Pilot Pete commenced as $2.30 favourite with Chapple being a "bit surprised" when Merry Jasper, who had been racing in on the leaders back - and driven by his 17-year-old daughter Elly, placed in a challenge as the field raced into the home straight on the final occasion.
"It just shows you how much I do my form", smirked Chapple after the race.
"I saw the seven horse and thought 'who is bolting up there' and all of a sudden I hear 'go Jasper' and I thought to myself, that's Elly."
