Spring Plans for Crocetti

Media Release - Wednesday July 24

This season’s standout three-year-old Crocetti made a pleasing start to his spring preparation on Tuesday at the Cambridge Synthetic trials, closing late to finish second in his 800m heat, and he could be in for a lucrative spring preparation.

Crocetti pictured with trainers Danny Walker (left) and Arron Tata, and owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle.  Photo: Race Images South

The Daniel Nakhle-bred and raced gelding won six of his seven starts this term, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), and was runner-up in the Gr.1 BCD Group Spring (1400m).

“I am just proud of the horse and the way he came through it all, he just took it in his stride, nothing fazed him,” said Danny Walker, who trains the gelding in partnership with Arron Tata. “We got beaten in the last run, but he was beaten on his merits and beaten by a horse (Bonny Lass) who deserved it.”

Walker and Tata have been pleased with how Crocetti has returned, which was further enhanced following his first public outing this preparation on Tuesday.

“He is heading in the right direction,” Walker said.

“He had a really good spell, he was out for three-and-a-half months so I am mindful that when he gets back to the races, it will be six months without a race.”

Advertisement

Crocetti is set to return to the trials before a possible tilt at the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings in September.

“The plan is to go to the Tarzino, weather permitting,” Walker said. “I would be reluctant to run him on a heavy track. Should he not go there, he will probably go to Australia, and we are mindful that Sydney can get some wet tracks too. We just have to play the weather game.

“There are some nice races over there in the spring, but also some very good horses, so we have got to be on our game.”

One of those races is the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill in November, which is the ultimate aim for Crocetti.

“The dream has always been the Golden Eagle, but how we get there and whether we are good enough to get there is another thing,” Walker said. “I think he is good enough to try races like that but you have got to be going 100 percent.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Wuddzz Caps Fine 24 Hours For Dwyer
Handy stayer Wuddzz came with a well-timed run under Tim Clark to land the Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m) at Randwick.
Third Black Type Win For Snitzel’s Lazzura
A member of the Waller team to hold a dual acceptance leading into Saturday’s Randwick meeting, it was the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) where 4yo Snitzel mare Lazzura came out on top, recording her third black type victory.
Winning Return for G1 Star Crocetti
Crocetti, one of the brightest stars in last season’s outstanding three-year-old crop, showed he was back bigger and better after he provided a display of guts and determination to take out Saturday’s Alibaba’s Flying Carpets Kerikeri Cup (1100m) at Ruakaka.
Jenni Lets Loose At The Valley
Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue.
Sterling Express Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate
Sterling Express stepped up to Group level for the first time in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa, and a stunning last-to-first performance showed that he belongs.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).
Kiwi Sprint Star to Tackle Quokka
Crocetti will carry the hopes of the Kiwi sprinting ranks in Perth next month as the Trackside NZ / Perth Racing slot runner in the A$5 million KIA Quokka (1200m).
Crocetti Primed for G1 Return
Newly turned four-year-olds have a proud record of making early spring statements in the Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy (1400m) in recent years, and one of New Zealand’s most exciting racehorses is poised to follow suit at Hastings on Saturday.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Autumn Glow
Resuming off the back of two solid barrier trials efforts, Chris Waller’s Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) stepped up to open company for the first time, with the $1.8m yearling purchase extending her unbeaten run to five with victory in the Group 3 ATC Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick.
Crocetti Back to Brilliant Best in G1 Sistema Railway
Last season’s champion male three-year-old Crocetti returned to his brilliant best at Ellerslie on Saturday, defeating a star-studded sprint field in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m).