Crocetti takes a perfect four-from-four record into Saturday’s $150,000 Sarten, which is his last dress rehearsal ahead of the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.
The excitement surrounding the looming meeting of top three-year-olds Tokyo Tycoon and Crocetti kicked up a gear following the latter’s victory at Te Rapa.
West Coast cemented himself at the top of the steeplechasing ranks at Te Rapa on Sunday, the top-class jumper claiming the elusive National/Northern double.
There are few prestige jumping trophies missing from Paul Nelson’s mantlepiece, but the Great Northern Steeplechase is one that has eluded the Hastings trainer.
Lauren Brennan, trainer from Cambridge, is pondering a shot at the Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) with English Gambler after his recent victory at Te Rapa.
Turn The Ace returned to his favourite track at Te Rapa on Saturday and bounced back into the winner’s enclosure with a dominant front-running victory.