Farnley looms as Cavallo's hattrick

Unable to crack a black type event until two starts ago, Cavallo Pazzo is on the cusp of making it three in a line in Saturday's Farnley Stakes (1400m) at Belmont Park.

The 5yo by Not A Single Doubt accounted for the Belmont Newmarket and Goodwood Sprint fields in convincing fashion last month and looks the one to beat again in the Farnley.

Opposition is likely to come from Colour Correct, a true Group performer on his day, but with doubts over his fitness after a long lay off after the 2011 Perth Cup. Colour Correct returned in the Belmont Sprint in June, running an eye catching fourth before failing in the Hyperion and heading to the paddock. With Paul Harvey aboard and reminded of his heroics in 2011, he must be respected.

Elliotto also returns, but has failed to maintain his form in black type company after beating Colour Correct in the Group III RJ Peters Stakes (1500m) in 2009. His trial was only fair despite winning.

The race may be determined by the apparent lack of pace however Cavallo Pazzo's rider, Peter Knuckey, knows he can ride the gelding forward or back. Cavallo Pazzo tracked Werd in the Goodwood in a similar race with no other apparent speed. Ringmeister and Mega Steel are capable of going forward and would do their chances no harm in doing so.

Bites The Dust has been scratched.