Racing: Handicapper supports trainer

Wingatui trainer Paul Richards riding Natuzzi leads Alex Clarke on Mae Jinx. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Wingatui trainer Paul Richards is hoping Natuzzi is the best horse in the listed $50,000 Lightning Handicap at Trentham tomorrow.

The only problem is the handicappers have already decided he's not far off it.

Richards opted to send the Coats Choice 4-year-old to the North Island after his slashing run for second in the White Robe Lodge Handicap at Wingatui on February 2.

"He could have gone around at Cromwell and those other open races that have been around the place, but I thought he deserved a crack at a decent stake," Richards said.

"But the handicapper hasn't missed him.

"He's got the same weight as the horse who won the open sprint in the premier day at Wingatui [Captain Kirk] yet we've never won an open race."

Natuzzi gained seven rating points after his win at Omakau in January, before gaining a further two points for his second to Ric O'Shea at Wingatui, bringing his rating to 91.

He will carry 57.5kg, just 1.5kg below the top weights of Princess Katie and Galaxy Star, but the inside draw of barrier one will ensure he and jockey Chris Johnson should get an easy trip in behind the leaders before he unleashes his customary sprint.

The drop back in distance from 1600m to 1200m could also work in his favour.

Natuzzi was freshened up for a week after the Wingatui run, as he has a tendency to get slightly keen during his races.

"He won't be pulling tomorrow because they'll be going along a bit - he can get home well as long as he relaxes," Richards said.

"He might end up three back, but it should work out good."

A bold run for second at Cromwell earned The Bodyguard a space on the float, and he will line up over 2200m in a rating 65 event.

"If we were taking one [to Wellington], we might as well take two, and

he did well after the race," said Richards. "I was really pleased with his run at Cromwell. He pulled a bit on the slow pace, but I liked the way he got home."

The draw of 11 does not faze Richards either, as the son of Painted Black should be able to settle midfield.

"He can just sit back and hopefully get over the top of them."

Regardless of the results, both horses will be back on a Cook Strait ferry crossing on Sunday morning, with Natuzzi's next target likely to be the $50,000 Easter Cup at Riccarton on April 6.