To take a South Island sprinter to Melbourne is one thing.
To win with a bit in hand is another thing altogether.
That is the scenario that played out for Natuzzi in the Pink Ribbon Cup at Caulfield on Saturday.
The Paul Richards-trained 5yr-old was well-supported leading into the $A100,000 ($NZ108,000) open 1200m on Saturday after his Lightning Handicap win at Trentham at his previous start.
However, the form needed to prove itself across the Tasman Sea - as did the horse. And when the visitors appropriately received the visitors' draw of 16, Richards and Mosgiel owners Bill and Sandra Duell could be forgiven if concerns started to bubble to the surface.
But that is where a street-smart jockey such as Chris Johnson comes to the fore.
Dubbed the ''Magic Man'' by his many fans, including more than 250 supporters on a Facebook group, Johnson worked Natuzzi to the rail down the long side straight at Caulfield and settled the son of Coats Choice midfield.
Once the field hit the straight, Johnson set about picking his way through the field to beat Couldn't Agreemore by half a length.
''It was a lovely ride - a beautiful ride,'' Richards said.
Johnson was in a fetching combination of Natuzzi's traditional colours of pink with black seams, along with the pink breeches all jockeys were wearing in support of breast cancer awareness and research.
Most importantly, Natuzzi hit the line with minimal urging, which bodes well for the gelding if Richards opts to line him up at Caulfield next Saturday.
''We'll just see how he goes over the next few days,'' he said.
''If he goes all right, we might back him up on Saturday. He won't do much this week - we'll just trot him and do a bit of walking.''
Natuzzi carried 58kg on the slow track and Richards hopes the addition of some higher-rated horses in the group 3 Victoria Handicap over 1400m could see Natuzzi drop down the weights a little.
''We'll find out [what rating he gets] I guess.
''Because it's a group 3 next Saturday, it'll be a bit stronger again, I'd imagine.''
Bevan Laming's Cranbourne stables were suiting the horse perfectly, Richards said.
''It's a lovely set-up and nice and quiet - and he's got a nice paddock.''
The $A500,000 group 1 Goodwood at Adelaide in May remains a target for Natuzzi, depending on his potential performance next Saturday.
Richards campaigned Ain't No Doubt in Australia in 1998 and won with her fresh-up at Flemington, but Hec Anderton was listed as the official trainer for the trip, so Richards placed Saturday's win near the top of the pile of training achievements.
''It's right up there. It's not easy to take them there and to win, especially at sprinting.''
