New Zealand Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti is primed and ready to go for Saturday’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Co-trainer Danny Walker has been in Perth with his gelding for the last two weeks and the South Auckland horseman has been pleased with the way he has settled into his surroundings in Western Australia.
“He has settled in well. He is an unflappable sort of horse.” said Walker, who trains in partnership with Arron Tata.
“He has done well since he has been here, so we are pretty happy with him.”
Crocetti will represent Trackside NZ and Perth Racing’s slot in the rich feature where he has drawn barrier seven against a strong line-up, which includes the Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass, who is shooting for his third straight win in the race.
“I think seven is a fair draw for him,” Walker said.
Crocetti was given his final piece of serious work at ‘breakfast with the stars’ on Tuesday morning and Walker was pleased with what he saw.
“It was quite muggy on the breakfast with the stars morning. I gave him a good sweat up, which was quite good because he probably needed it a little bit,” he said.
Walker has been impressed with the facilities on offer at Ascot, both for trainers and the public alike.
“It’s been a really good couple of weeks. Everyone has been wonderful to deal with,” he said.
“The facilities at Ascot are perfect. They have got some amazing facilities here for the public.
“I went to the races on Good Friday and they (public) just flocked in. They had free entry and there was a huge and really enjoyable crowd.”
Owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle has already arrived in Perth, with Tata set to join them on Friday.
“It is a shame we both (Tata and Walker) couldn’t be here for the whole time, but we have got other horses and clients to think about,” Walker said. “It will be great for all three of us to enjoy it on Saturday.”
While hopeful of a bold showing this weekend, Walker said the horse’s welfare is always top of mind.
“We are good enough to be here, what happens in the race happens in the race, and as long as he pulls up safe and sound, and we get home safe and sound, that’s the main thing,” he said. “Everything above that is a bonus.”
Crocetti is currently at a winning quote of $27 with horse racing bookmakers, with the market headed by Overpass at $2.15, with Headwall on the second line of betting at $6.50.
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