Crocetti Eyes Lucrative Spring following Trial

This season's standout 3YO Crocetti (Zacinto-Gracehill, by O'Reilly) made a pleasing start to his spring preparation on Tuesday at the Cambridge Synthetic trials, closing late to finish second in his 800m heat, and he could be in for a lucrative spring preparation, reports loveracing.nz. The Daniel Nakhle-bred and raced gelding won six of his seven starts this term, including the Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr3 Northland Breeders' Stakes (1200m) and Gr2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m). "I am just proud of the horse and the way he came through it all, he just took it in his stride, nothing fazed him," said Danny Walker, who trains the gelding in partnership with Arron Tata. Crocetti is set to return to the trials before a possible tilt at the Gr1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings in September. Walker added, "I would be reluctant to run him on a heavy track. Should he not go there, he will probably go to Australia, and we are mindful that Sydney can get some wet tracks too. We just have to play the weather game." One of the races is the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill in November, which is the ultimate aim for Crocetti.

Crocetti (pic: Therese Davis Race Images)