Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have adopted a slow and steady approach with Faretti and the training partners believe the time is now right for the superbly bred colt to make his mark.

A $2 million yearling, the son of top stallion I Am Invincible was kept on ice for most of his two-year-old year, soundly beaten in the Silver Slipper at his only start as a juvenile.

Returning for a three-year-old campaign, he had his spring resumption delayed by wet tracks with his training partners opting for patience over pressure.

Three barrier trials and a midweek win later, Faretti will line up in Saturday's Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, the nature of his maiden win on the Kensington circuit convincing connections he is ready for a sterner test.

“He didn't get everything his own way in that race,” Bott said.

“He had to be used up and ridden a bit out of his comfort zone initially but we knew we had the class horse in the race and we could still win the race by doing so.

“Tim Clark took full advantage of that and he put them away impressively.

I'd like to see him take that next step now and I think he can.”

So do punters who kept Faretti a solid $2.30 favourite on Friday, ahead of Diamond Thunder ($4.80), a stakes winner over the winter carnival, and Dirty Work ($5) who has been competitive in higher grade this campaign.

Bott says Faretti has taken significant strides since his two-year-old season and is reaching a level of maturity he hopes will help the horse deliver on his promise.

“He has definitely strengthened and mentally he knows what it's all about and what is required of him,” Bott said.

“In saying that, he has always shown an above average level of ability to us.

“Now he's just getting the opportunity to prove to everyone what he has shown to us in the early stages of his career.”

There are no set plans for Faretti beyond Saturday but all options are on the table, including a trip to Melbourne for the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.