NZ sprinter locked in for The Quokka
New Zealand’s top sprinter, Crocetti, has officially secured a spot in next month’s Kia-Quokka (1200m) at Ascot, with Trackside NZ/Perth Racing selecting the talented gelding for their slot in the $5 million feature race.
Set to carry Kiwi hopes in Western Australia’s richest sprint, the four-year-old arrives with an impressive record of nine wins and three placings from 14 starts, including two at the elite level.
The Zacinto gelding claimed victory in the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) in January, securing the Champion Sprint Series title and earning a $300,000 bonus in the process.
Since making a stunning entrance onto the racing scene with seven consecutive wins in 2023, Crocetti, trained by Danny Walker and Arron Tata, has captivated racing fans across New Zealand.
Owner and co-breeder Daniel Nakhle expressed his excitement about the journey, embracing the opportunity to compete in Perth’s feature sprint event 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.”
Crocetti’s most recent run came on March 8, where he finished runner-up to the talented three-year-old Alabama Lass in a 1200m sprint.
Perth Racing’s Chief Executive Officer, James Oldring, welcomed Crocetti’s inclusion in the Kia-Quokka, believing his presence will further boost interest in the event.
“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 currently priced at $15.
Meanwhile, two-time Quokka champion Overpass is the $2.75 favourite to complete a historic hat-trick and maintain his flawless record in the race.
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...