Star NZ sprinter to line-up in The Quokka field

Crocetti will represent New Zealand’s sprinting talent in Perth next month as the Trackside NZ/Perth Racing slot runner in the $5 million Quokka (1200m).

With an impressive record of nine wins from 14 starts, Crocetti’s connections accepted the invitation from Entain New Zealand—operators of Trackside TV, the TAB, and betcha betting brands—following his success in the Sport Nation NZ Champion Sprint Series, where he claimed a NZ$300,000 bonus.

Owner and co-breeder Daniel Nakhle eagerly embraced the opportunity to take his star sprinter to Western Australia for a high-stakes showdown at Ascot Racecourse on April 26.

“This horse has already provided us with so much fun and excitement in his career,” Nakhle said. “To take it to the next level with this trip to Perth alongside the Trackside NZ and Perth Racing teams is another memorable step along a pretty amazing journey.”

Trained by Danny Walker and Arron Tata at Byerley Park near Karaka, Crocetti began his career with seven consecutive wins before continuing his top-level performances over the summer. He secured placings in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1200m) and the G3 Haunui Farm Kings Plate (1200m), along with a fourth-place finish in the Listed Haunui Farms Counties Bowl (1100m).

His moment of brilliance came in the G1 Sistema Railway (1200m), where his victory, combined with his Kings Plate placing, secured him the Champion Sprint Series title.

Entain ANZ’s Chief Media Officer, Chris Haigh, expressed excitement about Crocetti’s participation, emphasizing the interest he brings to WA racing.

“Crocetti has really captured the New Zealand public’s imagination in his career, and we’ve loved telling his and Daniel’s story along the way,” Haigh said.

“I know the Trackside team is pumped that we’ll be taking on The Quokka with a horse with such a following.”

Perth Racing chief executive James Oldring shared his enthusiasm for Crocetti’s presence in the race.

“We’ve watched the New Zealand racing with interest over the summer, and to get the Champion Sprint Series winner as the Kiwi representative is a fantastic result,” Oldring said.

“We saw great wagering results on The KIA Quokka last year in New Zealand through our slot partnership with Trackside NZ, and with a boom sprinter like Crocetti, we expect that Kiwi interest in racing in Perth will continue to grow.”

NZ betting turnover on the 2024 edition of The Quokka, featuring Waitak in the Trackside Media slot, more than doubled that of the inaugural 2023 race.

Last year’s Quokka was also the highest turnover race on NZ’s TAB on April 19. Crocetti is currently listed as a $15 chance in The Quokka market on New Zealand’s TAB and betcha betting platforms.