Star NZ sprinter back in work

Group 1-winning New Zealand sprinter Crocetti is back in work at Byerley Park as trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata begin plotting an ambitious summer campaign for the talented four-year-old.

The son of Zacinto was a revelation as a three-year-old, winning six of his seven starts, highlighted by a dominant victory in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). He also ran a strong second behind Bonny Lass in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m).

Owned and bred by Daniel Nakhle, Crocetti continued his excellent form earlier this season by taking out the Kerikeri Cup (1100m), placing in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), and claiming a stunning win in the Group 1 Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on Karaka Millions night.

That Railway victory secured Crocetti a spot in the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) in Perth, via Trackside NZ and Perth Racing’s slot. Unfortunately, he failed to fire in the feature and finished at the tail of the field before heading out for a break.

Trainer Danny Walker is pleased with the gelding’s condition as he resumes work at their South Auckland base and is optimistic about what lies ahead.

“He came back into work on the weekend and he is looking really well,” Walker said. “He had a good spell and he is looking really good, he is quite happy and fresh.

“There are not a lot of weight-for-age races, and we will miss the early ones, but we will play it by ear and see how he comes up. He looks amazing.”

With top-class form behind him and a strong foundation now laid, Crocetti looms as one to watch this summer. Punters following betting markets will no doubt keep a close eye on his next move as he builds toward more Group 1 goals.