Crocetti hitting the right notes for Walker
Danny Walker, a South Auckland trainer, is convinced that he has found his horse of a lifetime in the Zacinto gelding Crocetti, who has won all three of his starts.
Walker and his training partner, Arron Tata, are preparing Crocetti for the St John’s College Foundation 3yo (1200m) at Te Rapa on his path to the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11.
Walker has been impressed with Crocetti’s natural ability, saying, “He’s got that natural ability, and he’s been winning on natural ability so far.
“He just seems to be faster than the rest at the moment, but the better ones are still to come. But he just gives us all the indications of a good horse.”
Walker had a strong belief in Crocetti’s potential last year and even envisioned him as a Sires’ Produce winner.
However, the horse faced setbacks related to growth issues, which kept him out of racing during the autumn.
Walker recalled his early impressions of Crocetti, saying, “Even before Christmas, I said to Daniel: ‘I think this horse is special,’ and he said: ‘Really, pal?’
“I told him I really thought he was the bee’s knees.”
Despite concerns that Crocetti might be sold, owner Daniel Nakhle chose to retain him.
Crocetti’s natural ability and strong work ethic have stood out to Walker and his team.
“He’s not a big, robust horse but he’s a nice-boned horse, and he’s got stronger now. He’s just a born racehorse really,” Walker added.
While Walker expressed some nerves about Crocetti encountering a genuinely rain-affected track at Te Rapa, he has confidence in the horse’s ability to adapt.
The race at Te Rapa serves as ideal timing on the path to the Guineas.
Walker believes that Crocetti is the most naturally talented horse he has trained, and he is optimistic about the horse’s potential to achieve Group 1 success.
In addition to Crocetti, Walker and Tata will also run Crystallize, an Iffraaj eight-year-old gelding, in a 1600m at Te Rapa.
Crystallize will carry a lighter weight due to apprentice Triston Moodley’s 4kg allowance, making it a rare opportunity for the veteran runner to compete under suitable conditions.
Walker mentioned that Crystallize may be nearing retirement but has found a good home for him when that time comes.
“He’s our old mate, a real character, but there’s just a lack of suitable options for a mudlark like him with where he’s at in the handicap,” Walker explained.
“I’ve found him a really good home for when he does retire. He’ll go to a lady at Waiuku who has her own farm and he’ll make a great hack.”