Crocetti heads for a spell

[Wandering Eyes]

Crocetti pictured with trainers Danny Walker (left) and Arron Tata, and breeder-owner Daniel Nakhle following his Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) win.
Photo: Race Images South

A line has been ruled through an Australian autumn campaign for Crocetti, with the son of Zacinto heading to the spelling paddock after a standout three-year-old term.

Trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata were contemplating heading to Melbourne next month with the Group One winner but have elected to call time on his season following his runner-up effort behind Bonny Lass in last Saturday’s Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

“We did look at the Australian Guineas (Group 1, 1600m) and then I thought maybe the Newmarket (Group 1, 1200m) with 53kg on his back was quite appealing as well, but we have decided to send him to the paddock for a spell,” Walker said.

“He is 100 percent and has pulled up really well, but I just felt he peaked on Saturday, and he has had seven runs as a three-year-old.

“He can have a good spell now and prepare for a four-year-old campaign.”

Bred and raced by Daniel Nakhle, Crocetti won his sole start as a juvenile before returning as a three-year-old where he was undefeated in his six starts against his own age group, including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), and Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m).

He was then tested at weight-for-age for the first time last Saturday, and put in a gutsy performance to finish second behind Bonny Lass.

“He has done us proud, and he tried his guts out the other day,” Walker said.

Looking back fondly on a satisfying season with Crocetti, Walker said he will start planning his spring campaign in the coming months, with a high likelihood of heading straight across the Tasman with his charge.

“It is all up in the air, but it comes down to weather and track conditions here, especially in the spring,” he said.

“I will sit down in the next couple of months and do my homework. If it is going to be too wet here, then he will probably go straight to Australia. We will just see how he comes up and how the weather plays.”

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