Terravista to Take Place in 2017 Newmarket Handicap Field

Trainer Joe Pride has confirmed that Terrivista will take his place in the 2017 Newmarket Handicap field this morning’s release of official weights for the featured sprint at Flemington on March 11th.

Lightning Stakes winner Terravista will take his place in the 2017 Newmarket Handicap field. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Lightning Stakes winner Terravista will take his place in the 2017 Newmarket Handicap field. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Terravista returned to the races for a scintillating win in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 18th, but Pride was wary of the handicapper and confirmed after the race that the seven-year-old would only take his position in the Newmarket Handicap field under the right conditions.

Pride told Racenet that he was happy enough with the 56.5kgs that Terravista has been charged with lugging in the Newmarket Handicap 2017 and is confident that he will perform to a typically high standard on the big Flemington track.

“He always runs well at Flemington and I was happy enough with that weight,” Pride said.

“I think the three-year-olds have probably got in a bit light – considering we’ve won the same amount of Group Is as Extreme Choice and it’s taken us almost 20 more starts to do it.

“But I’m happy with Terravista and this was more or less the plan with him all along.”

Terravista made his competitive debut for Pride during the late autumn of 2013 and has subsequently posted a commendable career total of eleven wins and six minors through twenty-five starts, for close to $2.5 million in prize money.

Breaking through for a maiden win at the highest level in the 2014 edition of the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m), Terravista continued to impress amongst Group 1 company throughout his subsequent preparations, but was unable to recapture winning form at the pinnacle until this season’s Lightning Stakes.

Pride included the Captain Rio gelding in nominations for the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, but will not accept a position in the race field following this morning’s confirmation.

Chautauqua was allocated a topweight of 58kgs for the Newmarket Handicap this morning, while star stable mates Extreme Choice and Flying Artie have each been allotted 52.5kgs.

2016 Newmarket Handicap winner The Quarterback should again relish the conditions of the race with 54.5kgs in tow, while in-form sprinter Spieth will carry 55kgs.

Terravista is currently available at early 2017 Newmarket Handicap odds of $17 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.