Barrier one is often the best position, and that’s why trainer Andrew Bobbin has chosen to send Rich Champagne to Morphettville Parks this Saturday instead of running in the Mount Gambier Cup on Friday.

With Todd Pannell booked for the ride, Bobbin believes the PFD Food Services Handicap (1950m) in Adelaide is the right race for his in-form galloper.

Managing Rich Champagne’s mindset has been key, and the tranquil setting of Bobbin’s training property in The Grampians, 220km northwest of Melbourne, has helped the four-year-old mature into a better racehorse.

Rich Champagne is aiming for his fourth consecutive victory after wins at Great Western, Morphettville Parks over the same trip, and Moonee Valley.

“He has come a long way. In his first prep, he was very green and a bit highly strung,” Bobbin said.

“He would spook at his own shadow when he first got to us, but working him around the farm and through the bush tracks has helped him settle.

“Now in his second prep, he’s much more professional.”

Rich Champagne is currently third in betting at $6.50 for race seven, while fellow Victorian Unthinkable, trained by Mitchell Freedman, is the firming $3.50 favourite.

“It’s always been a mental game for him,” Bobbin added.

“He’s still doing a bit too much in his races, and I’d love to see him lower his head and relax more, especially after his Moonee Valley run, but that will come with time.

“He’s proof of how well our property works for certain horses. His former trainer, Aaron Purcell, is a good mate of mine, and he sent him to me saying, ‘Give this guy a go—I think he’ll thrive in your environment.’

“And that’s exactly how it’s played out.”

With Rich Champagne fit and still improving, Bobbin is optimistic about future opportunities.

“Once he fully figures it all out, he could develop into a strong 2000m horse for country Cups in the years ahead.”