But he will be hoping Special Duke's second at Avondale on Friday is not a sign of what is to come in the 2015-16 season.
The Otago Daily Times caught up with Richards after his sole runner's brave effort at Avondale, as he seeks a breakthrough win from his Byerley Park stables, where he has been based since November.
Richards said it had been tough breaking into the northern scene, despite Natuzzi's success in the Newmarket Handicap on Boxing Day.
''Even with Natuzzi winning that listed race, it will still take a couple of years to get into it and get some outside clients,'' Richards said.
''We've got a couple of nice 3yr-olds coming up that - if they kick a goal - it will all help.''
It's just a matter of getting your name out there.''
Richards is working eight horses for now, although that will lift to 12 over the summer.
One of those set to come back into work is Natuzzi, who has recovered well from an operation on an impaction of the colon at the end of April.
''It was quite a big operation - he was on the table for three or four hours,'' he said.
''I went and had a look at him last week at the spelling farm at Jamieson Park and he looks outstanding - it's probably the most weight I've ever seen him carry.
''So he'll come back in here this month and just build up before Christmas time.''
The quality of Natuzzi's work will decide which race Richards will target over the holiday period.
''If he comes up really good we might have a crack at the Railway first up. If he doesn't come up quite as good as I would like, maybe the Newmarket again.
''In the Railway, he's not bad off because it's set weights and penalties, and because he hasn't won a big one yet he gets in all right. Whereas in the Newmarket, he would be top weight.
''He's had three group 1 seconds so hopefully his turn will come.''
Richards is enjoying the change of scenery, and the warmer weather on offer in the North Island.
''The facilities at Byerley Park are really good to work out of. The stable block's good, the tracks are good and the weather, it helps, especially in the winter when you are working outside.''
While Natuzzi is certainly the stable star, Richards has hopes for two 3yr-old geldings, one by Snitzel and one by Darci Brahma.
''They're both unnamed, but the Snitzel [out of Tallulah Bee] is a nice horse - it might not happen before Christmas, but after Christmas, maybe,'' he said.
''In his work he gives you the impression he will get a mile.''
