The Wingatui trainer enjoyed a good run on top of some nice horses, winning the group 3 mile four times from 1987 to 1993, including back-to-back wins with A Gordon For Me.
Natuzzi, winner of last year's Southland Guineas, gives Richards a chance to saddle up a runner in Wingatui's biggest race of the year.
''As a jockey, I won it quite a few times but it's the first time I've had a runner in it,'' he said.
The Coats Choice gelding represents a good chance for Richards to turn his first White Robe Lodge runner into a winner. He pulled up well after running third behind Dozintmateranyway in the listed Timaru Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton last Saturday.
''I was really rapt with last Saturday's run and he found the line really good,'' Richards said.
''They ran a quick time and he took a couple of days to get over that, but he's good to go now. I'm happy with him.''
Natuzzi drew barrier 14 but will move into barrier 10 by the time the ballots come out. Richards was not too worried by the draw.
''There is a half-mile to the first corner. I'm sure Chris [Johnson] will work something out by then,'' Richards said.
''With a bit of luck in the running, I think he's pretty competitive.''
Dozintmateranyway is the form horse leading into the mile event with wins in his last two runs.
His Timaru Stakes win should be a good guide to tomorrow's feature, with King Montrose - who has the inside gate tomorrow - splitting Dozintmateranyway and Natuzzi in the placings at Riccarton.
The task for The Bodyguard is not as difficult as Richards first thought it would be. His assignment in a special conditions maiden over 1400m could have been worse, after five race winners were nominated. The race was open to horses who were maidens on Christmas Day, and only three subsequent race winners have accepted for the race.
Richards has been waiting for The Bodyguard's day to come.
''He's a horse that just hasn't had a lot of luck in his career,'' he said.
''He probably shouldn't be a maiden but he is. If he gets a bit of luck in the running, he'll be a good chance.''
Aint No Lollygagga might be up against it in the rating 65 1600m, but does have the bonus of Lisa Allpress climbing on board.
''Her run at Gore wasn't too bad. She didn't get a lot of room in the straight, but would probably need to improve a bit.''
Kirkdouglas will strip much fitter for his challenge in the rating 75 1400m, after he resumed at Gore last month. He has drawn wide, but that might fit his rating pattern.
''They've got 600m before they get to the first corner, and he probably gets back a bit anyway so it might not be too much of a disadvantage,'' Richards said.
''He's got a pretty good second-up record and he's got a good record at Wingatui. He's improved a bit since Gore - that was his first run in over a year.''
