A matchup of two different styles

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - The contrast in styles between Cavallo Pazzo and Tuffertiger is a compelling aspect of Wednesday's $47,000 allowance feature at Aqueduct.

Both horses have earned Beyer Speed Figures of 90 or better in their last two races, but have done so with radically different strategies. Cavallo Pazzo, unbeaten in two starts this year, raced on or very close to the pace in his victories at Delaware Park. Tuffertiger is a drop-back sprinter who would appreciate a lively early pace.

They are the leading contenders in the allowance, which will be run at 6 1/2 furlongs and has a field of seven horses that have never won three races. There is a pick six carryover Wednesday of $32,485

Cavallo Pazzo, a 3-year-old gelding, makes his first start at the Big A since being claimed here for $75,000 out of a maiden race last November. Following the race, he underwent surgery to repair a left ankle fracture and was transferred to trainer Anthony Dutrow in the spring.

Dutrow credits Jeff Kirk in Ocala, Fla., with rehabbing Cavallo Pazzo for the return to training.

"He came to me about half-way ready," said Dutrow. "About two months into it, I started feeling like this was a dandy horse."

Cavallo Pazzo made his season debut on Sept. 22, easily winning his maiden in front-running fashion.

"I was extremely confident that he was going to show us something," said Dutrow. "It was obvious when he was getting ready to run that he was a nice horse."

Cavallo Pazzo showed class next time out, when he took on winners for the first time. He turned back a strong challenge and dug in to win by a neck.

He will need another quality effort to hold off Tuffertiger. A 4-year-old gelding, Tuffertiger has only one win in five starts this season, but he has four seconds while facing quality company. In his last two races, he finished behind Latent Heat and Will He Shine, who both came back to win their next starts.

"We would like a little more pace in the race," said Kiaran McLaughlin. "He's a come-from-behind sprinter, and he's doing very well and he should run very well. He's been unlucky to be second a few times. This looks like a good spot."

Tuffertiger will be ridden for the first time by Fernando Jara, who teamed with McLaughlin to win the Belmont Stakes with Jazil and the Breeders' Cup Classic with Invasor.

Completing the field are Crunch the Numbers, Oden's Tale, Mr. Umphrey, Good Going Darl, and Pavo.