The magical Melbourne tour continues for Natuzzi and his band of supporters at Caulfield today.
Fresh from his impressive victory in the Pink Ribbon Cup last week, the Coats Choice gelding will face a step up in class in the group 3 Victoria Handicap over 1400m this afternoon.
Names such as Smokin' Joy, Mecir, Mr O'Ceirin and Sistine Demon will be familiar to Otago followers of Melbourne racing, although Natuzzi showed last week he is more than worthy of his start in the feature on the Caulfield card.
The gelding has been stabled at Bevan Laming's Cranbourne stables. Richards arrived back in Melbourne on Wednesday morning and was able to report all was well when he talked to the Otago Daily Times on Thursday.
''He had a few days off in the paddock, did a bit of light work this morning [Thursday] just trotting and he seems bright,'' Richards said.
''He doesn't eat as much here as he does at home, but he's eating enough and he's drinking well.''
Natuzzi may have received the visitors' draw at Caulfield last week, but has drawn more kindly in barrier 10 this week.
The big difference between the 1200m and 1400m start points is an extra turn for 1400m runners, which means jockeys will be trying to find their spots early in the race. As usual, punters can expect Natuzzi to settle midfield or slightly worse in the hands of Chris Johnson, and wait for the speed to go on.
''It's far less as the 1200m at Caulfield is a bit like Trentham [with a long run to the home turn].
''But it won't be too bad. I'm sure Chris will be able to work something out.''
Richards has not studied the form too closely - ''they're all hard to beat, aren't they?'' - but the speed generally injected into Australian sprint races should help the Lightning Handicap winner.
''We'll just turn up in good order and hope for a bit of luck.''
Showers were falling at Caulfield yesterday although the track was still rated as a dead4.
''It may even be a wee bit better. Apparently, Caulfield gets a wee bit firm, which won't worry him.''
How Natuzzi finishes the race will help decided whether the Natuzzi camp will press on to next month's group 1 Goodwood in Adelaide.
''He'll need to be finding the line. We'll be guided by what Chris has to say, as well.''
