Terravista was affected by heat when third in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) first-up on March 14th but trainer Joe Pride is confident he will be a picture of health when lining up for Saturday’s Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Terravista (centre) is in great condition ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
Having jumped from the gates well in the Newmarket Handicap, Terravista settled off the pace of the race’s early leaders, receiving a good run in transit but failing to make up the distance on runaway three-year-old Brazen Beau, who crossed the line close to four lengths in the clear.
Confident the humidity was to blame during the running of the Newmarket, Pride has been thrilled with the condition of the Captain Rio gelding and is confident of a second victory at the highest level on Day 1 of The Championships.
“That has happened to him before,” Pride told AAP.
“He doesn’t like humidity and it was pretty warm that day.
“It’s not a problem but I would like a nice cool day for the TJ.
“He is in great order and I can’t wait for the race.”
Posting a commendable race record of nine wins and a further two finishes in the minors through his 14 career starts, Terravista returned to racing in slick form through the 2014 Autumn Carnival; taking out each of the Group 3 Southern Cross Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) before placing a luckless and disappointing 11th in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
Returning in spring in career-best form to date, Terravista won both Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) and Group 2 The Shorts (1100m); running a close fifth in a fanning finish in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) before breaking through for a maiden Group 1 victory in the talent-rich Darley Classic (1200m) on November 8th.
A final field and barrier draw for the 2015 T.J. Smith Stakes is due to be completed and released tomorrow (Tuesday, March 31st).
Confirmed to line up alongside the likes of Chautauqua and Lankan Rupee, Terravista is currently rated a $3.20 chance to win T.J. Smith Stakes with Ladbrokes Australia.
