News & Media

09 August 2012 Cavallo Pazzo Commences Hannan's Campaign

Ascot trainer Ted Martinovich believes Cavallo Pazzo only needs to reproduce his autumn and winter form and he will be hard to beat in the $80,000 Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) on Saturday, the first feature race of the 2012-13 season.

Cavallo Pazzo proved his measure against quality opposition when second to rising star Barakey in the Northam Stakes (1100m) before a gallant third behind Group 1 champion Luckygray in the Belmont Sprint (1400m).

"If he can produce something like those performances I have no doubt he will be right in the mix," said Martinovich.

"He had a brief spell after the Belmont Sprint in June but has been back in work for a few weeks now and I couldn't be happier with him."

Cavallo Pazzo, in the money from three of his four first up attempts, has drawn barrier three with noted speedsters Latoria on his outside in five and Werd to jump from the widest barrier in nine.

Latoria and Werd will have race fitness after running second and fifth respectively in last Saturday week's Beaufine Stakes (1000m).

Cavallo Pazzo will be in the hands of Kyra Yuill with regular rider Peter Knuckey unable to fulfil his commitment because of suspension.

Yuill has ridden Cavallo Pazzo on two previous occasions for one win and a second placing.

"Latoria and Werd go pretty quick so from barrier three you would like to think Cavallo Pazzo would be able to get a nice run," said Martinovich."

Martinovich said Cavallo Pazzo will be aimed at the Hannan's Handicap (1400m) in Kalgoorlie on September 19.

Expect improvement from the Justin Warwick-trained Gum Nut Guru who is a bit better than what his previous run would indicate.

The Verglas gelding, trapped wide for the entire trip, beat just three runners home when 13th of 16 to Settle Strada last fortnight.

Warwick is an astute trainer who can get turn his horses around very quickly and Gum Nut Guru will be in the mix at some stage of the race.

Our Ol Fella, drawn one for the Wolfe and McGruddy combination, deserves a change of luck after placings in six of his previous feature races.