Crocetti returns in fine fettle ahead of spring campaign

[Wandering Eyes]

Multile group one winner Crocetti has done all that was asked in his trial return on Tuesday morning. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti made his first public appearance of the season when winning his 1100m trial at Te Rapa on Tuesday.

The Danny Walker and Arron Tata-trained gelding jumped away well to sit outside leader Boss ‘N’ Highheels. He found the lead comfortably under his own steam when entering the straight and ran out an effortless two-length victor over Lachie.

Walker was pleased with what he saw ahead of his spring preparation.

“He had a nice gallop,” he said. “He is looking good, he is good in the coat, and he has trialled well, so we can’t be any happier than that.”

The five-year-old son of Zacinto has been back in work for the last couple of months following an Australian hit-and-run mission in April where he finished last in the AUD$5 million Quokka at (1200m) Ascot.

Walker said he took no ill-effects from the trip and he is looking forward to the season ahead with his stable star, which will likely kick-off next month.

“He will probably go to Rotorua on the 12th of October for the Sweynesse Stakes,” he said.

“We will play it by ear and see how he comes through Rotorua and make a plan after that. There’s not a lot around really until Christmas time.”

Bred and raced by Daniel Nakhle, Crocetti has won nine and placed in three of his 15 starts to date, including victories in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Railway (1200m), and has accrued more than $1.4 million in prizemoney.

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