Crocetti arrives in Perth ahead of The Quokka challenge at Ascot

The Quokka is just around the corner. Some of the race’s biggest contenders have started their final preparations for the $5 million event.

Top New Zealand sprinter Crocetti has just arrived in Perth from his base in Byerley Park to settle in before race day at Ascot Racecourse on April 26.

The Kiwi is currently an outsider, but his co-trainer Danny Walker believes that the gelding might have what it takes to upset the odds.

Excellent travel for Kiwi star

Speaking to LoveracingNZ, Walker revealed that Crocetti’s trip to Australia could not have gone better and that he’s hopeful the trip is a good sign of things to come for his gelding.

“He flew to Sydney on Sunday and then arrived in Perth last night,” Walker said.

“He has settled in well. He travelled excellent. I am really happy with him. He went out for a little trot this morning and he seems very happy.”

Despite these promising comments and Crocetti’s Group 1 win in the Railway Stakes (NZ) in January, the betting sites have not changed their minds much about the gelding’s chances.

Most horse racing betting platforms give the four-year-old just $15 odds to win. Overpass, the favourite, has been given $2.50 chances of winning the 1200m race at Ascot.

However, the betting odds could sharpen once the final lineup is revealed next week. Only nine of the 14 slots for The Quokka have been filled to date.

Trainer talks up big race

Crocetti is one of New Zealand’s most promising young sprinters, but there was still some doubt about whether owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle would select the gelding to fill his coveted The Quokka slot.

In the end, Nakhle selected Crocetti. Walker says he will not get complacent after being handed such a high honour from the owner-breeder.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to get it (The Quokka slot), and we were pretty keen to give it a go,” Walker said.

“Hopefully they have selected the right horse.”

Walker then detailed his plans for Crocetti over the next few days.

“We’ve got 10 days until he races,” Walker said on Wednesday, “He will tick along and do a bit of pacework and cantering. The plan is to gallop him at ‘Breakfast with the Stars’ next Tuesday.”

Jockey selected for $5m race

One thing that could bolster Crocetti’s chances to win The Quokka is his jockey. Walker revealed that he has confirmed Melbourne Cup winner Craig Williams to ride Crocetti at Ascot on April 26.

“Craig Williams will ride. He was going to ride him if he went to Australia as a three-year-old and he has always kept in touch and said to keep him in mind,” Walker explained.