So you would hope the barrier gods would have played along when the draw was completed and handed Natuzzi something better than barrier 14 in the group 1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie tomorrow.
The Wingatui-based Richards is taking a philosophical approach to the wide gate, which will become barrier 11 after the horses on the ballot are scratched.
''I guess he's probably going to get back a bit anyway, so hopefully he can get a bit of cover,'' Richards said.
''But it would have been nice to draw in a bit further than that.
''However, it is what it is.''
The major danger, Waterford, drew barrier 8, which Richards would not have minded, although he was eyeing up a barrier even closer to the rail.
''Even 5 or 6 would have been nice,'' he said.
Richards cannot control the barrier draw, but he has had plenty of influence on Natuzzi's preparation since the gelding arrived at Richard Collett's Pukekohe stables at the start of this month.
Richards travelled north to Auckland on Friday and put Natuzzi through his last hit-out on Saturday, galloping 1200m at three-quarter speed.
''He worked nice, and pulled up good, so I'm pretty happy with him,'' he said.
''He's really thrived here, he's eaten well and is happy. He's settled in really well.''
Richards has plenty of respect for the two favourites - the 4yr-old Waterford, who carries 53.5kg, and the 3yr-old filly Bounding, who gets in at 52kg due to the set weights and penalties conditions of the 1200m sprint.
''Waterford's probably the hardest to beat at the weights,'' Richards said.
''Bounding with no weight on its back and [barrier 1] at the gate is a chance. In saying that, 3yr-old fillies don't have a great record in the race.''
Richards, as always, will leave it up to wily jockey Chris Johnson to ride his own race on Natuzzi, but hopes the pair can settle midfield 200m after the start.
''We'll slot in somewhere ... and get a drag into it and try and get over the top of them in the last bit.
''He races best if you don't do much with him early and he gets home at the other end.''
Richards has a feeling he is yet to saddle up a runner at the top level in his training career to date.
''Never Plead Guilty ran in the [group 3] New Zealand Cup, but I don't think I would have - it's the first time I've had one good enough,'' Richards said, chuckling.
''I'm looking forward to it, actually.''
