New Zealand’s top sprinter Crocetti has been locked in for next month’s Kia-Quokka (1200m) at Ascot after Trackside NZ/Perth Racing snapped up the gelding with their slot in the $5 million autumn feature.
Carrying the hopes of the Kiwis in Perth’ richest race, four-year-old Crocetti arrives in WA holding an imposing record of nine wins and three placings from 14 starts, including two at the elite level.
The Zacinto gelding won the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) in January, a victory that clinched the Champion Sprint Series title and a $300,000 bonus over the summer.
Since bursting onto to the scene with seven wins from his opening seven starts in 2023, Crocetti, trained by Danny Walker and Arron Tata, has captured the imagination of New Zealand racing fans.
Owner and co-breeder, Daniel Nakhle said he’s having the time of his life with Crocetti and when the opportunity to take his pride and joy to Perth for the Quokka on April 26 came up, he had no hesitation in accepting the offer.
“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.”
Crocetti last raced on March 8 when runner-up to classy three-year-old, Alabama Lass in a 1200m sprint.
Perth Racing’s Chief Executive Officer, James Oldring, said Crocetti would be a welcome addition to the Kia-Quokka.
“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.”
In Tabtouch futures markets, Crocetti is a $15 chance.
Overpass, the only horse to win the Quokka, is rated as the $2.75 favourite to make it a hat trick and keep his unblemished record intact.
Julio Santarelli