Pole position best to stretch picket fence

Trainer Andrew Bobbin has opted to send Rich Champagne to Morphettville Parks this Saturday rather than running in the Mount Gambier Cup on Friday, largely due to drawing barrier one.

With Todd Pannell taking the ride, Bobbin believes the PFD Food Services Handicap (1950m) in Adelaide presents the best opportunity for his progressive gelding.

The four-year-old has matured mentally, thanks in part to the peaceful surroundings of Bobbin’s property in The Grampians, located 220km northwest of Melbourne.

Now chasing his fourth straight victory, Rich Champagne has already notched wins at Great Western, Morphettville Parks over this distance, and Moonee Valley.

“He’s been a real improver. When he first came to me, he was still very raw and highly strung,” Bobbin said.

“He’d jump at anything, but working him through the bush tracks and on the farm has really settled him down.

“This time in, he’s much more professional.”

Currently, Rich Champagne is the $6.50 third favorite in race seven, with Unthinkable, trained by Mitchell Freedman, leading the market at $3.50.

“It’s all been about his mindset,” Bobbin added.

“He still tends to do a little too much in his races, and I’d love to see him relax more, but that will come in time.

“He’s a great example of how well our training setup works. His former trainer, Aaron Purcell, told me, ‘This horse should do well with you—give him a go,’ and he was right.

“So far, it’s worked out perfectly.”

With Rich Champagne continuing to develop, Bobbin believes bigger targets could be in store.

“Once he fully puts it all together, he could be a strong 2000m horse for country Cups in the coming years.”