A draw of 22 might have sounded the death knell for some connections in such a tough race, but the Coats Choice gelding's trainer, Paul Richards, is taking a positive approach.
And a quick glance on the internet at the Morphettville track turns feelings of resignation into something resembling hope.
The 1200m configuration at Adelaide's metropolitan track is remarkably similar to Caulfield, where Natuzzi won the Pink Ribbon Cup on April 12.
The race starts up a 1200m chute and the 20-strong field - once the two ballots are scratched - will enjoy about 600m of galloping before hitting the home turn and a 350m straight.
''It's up a chute and a good run down to the turn for home,'' Richards said. He expected there to be plenty of pace on, and if Natuzzi settled and got some cover and a drag into the race, he could be a show.
''It is what it is. We'll just turn up in good order and hope for a bit of luck on the day.''
Natuzzi's cause could also be assisted by the difficult draws dished out to Platelet (barrier 17) and Sistine Demon (20).
Several other fast starters, such as Conservatorium, have drawn wide and will perhaps look to press forward.
Another tick in Natuzzi's box is the weight relief. The winner of eight races will carry just 55.5kg when Chris Johnson jumps aboard.
The last time he carried that weight or lighter was when he flew home up the rails for second in the group 1 Telegraph at Trentham in January with just 54.5kg on top of him.
''He hasn't been that light for a while. Mind you, he hasn't been against this sort of company for a while, either.''
Adelaide filly Miracles Of Life has been installed as the $6 favourite on the New Zealand TAB after drawing barrier 2. The Gai Waterhouse-trained Driefontein (barrier 3) is on $7.
Richards cannot control the performance and lead-up of those quality mares, but everything Natuzzi has done since his seventh in the Victoria Handicap on April 19 has been on the mark.
''He's done really well. I'm happy with him. He's eating good and looks good. He's nice and bright.''
Richards will be joined by wife Leanne and Natuzzi's owners, Bill and Sandra Duell, for the race, and he has appreciated the support from home as well.
''I've been getting the odd phone call and there are plenty of Kiwis over here, too.''
Most Australian betting agencies had Natuzzi at $41, but with the expectation of loyal Otago and New Zealand money, he opened at $26 on the final field market for the group 1 classic.
''He's remained steady at that price,'' TAB racing bookmaker Stephen Hunt said.
''He's had some loyal support, as he tends to. He rewarded punters two starts ago and they haven't forgotten that.''
