Belated blinkers move for Terravista in G1
Terravista will wear blinkers for the first time in a decorated career in the Darley Classic.
Most trainers try to pick the right moment to put blinkers on a horse but Joe Pride has left it a little later than usual with Terravista.
The eight-year-old lines up in Saturday’s Group One Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington, three years after he beat Chautauqua, Lankan Rupee and Buffering in the prestigious sprint.
Terravista has a history of feet problems and inconsistent form and Pride admits he just wants to try something different with him.
“It is late to be putting the blinkers on,” Pride said.
“I’ve left it until he’s an eight-year-old and I’m just throwing everything at him.
“It’s something different. I’m looking for anything to help him against these good horses.”
Pride said race jockey Brenton Avdulla had ridden Terravista trackwork on Thursday morning and was happy with how the veteran went through his paces.
“Brenton was kind enough to come and ride him this morning and he’s doing it again on Friday,” Pride said.
Terravista is among the outsiders in Saturday’s race, rated at $41 with Redzel the $3.90 early favourite over Vega Magic at $4.40.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Redzel beat Vega Magic last month to claim the biggest share of the $10 million on offer in The Everest at Randwick.
Terravista’s stablemate and half-brother Ball Of Muscle set the tone for Pride with his win in Thursday’s Listed Absolut Stakes (1000m).
A year ago, Terravista finished a half head second to Redzel in the same race when ridden by Hugh Bowman.
Vega Magic will be ridden by Luke Nolen with Craig Williams failing to have a careless riding suspension overturned.
Hugh Bowman, who was to ride Godolphin’s Impending, also failed in his appeal against a similar charge.
Godolphin has until Saturday morning to name his replacement.