Late lunge gets Terravista Lightning win

Joe Pride feels a sense of redemption after Terravista captured a second Group One victory with an explosive turn of foot in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

There was drama as the field was being loaded for Saturday’s race when The Quarterback reared and flipped over, lashing out at the horses drawn either side of him.

The Quarterback, Faatinah and Orujo were all withdrawn from the 1000m-Group One race.

Labelled the world’s best sprinter after his win in the 2014 Darley Classic, Terravista has since been beset by problems, mainly with his feet, restricting him to 11 starts.

He was set for victory in the Lightning 12 months ago until Damien Oliver dropped a rein in the closing stages and Terravista was beaten in the final stride by Chautauqua.

It was looking likely Terravista was again going to be the unlucky runner until Corey Brown was able to find a clear passage.

Making a late lunge, Terravista ($15) got up to score a short half-head win over Spieth ($6) with Star Turn ($4) a short head away third.

“You don’t get those ones back but its just nice for this horse to finally win another Group One,” Pride said.

“I’ve thought all along he’s the best horse I’ve ever had and if he retired winning only one Group One I would have been shattered.”

Terravista’s win was a welcome return Group One win for Brown after a stint in Singapore of almost four years.

The trainer and jockey were a successful combination before Brown’s move to Singapore and Pride explained the jockey has ridden more winners for his stable than any other despite his absence overseas.

“I don’t give him instructions. He knows what he has to do,” Pride said.

“Watch that ride, it was a gem.”

Depending on the handicapper, Pride hopes to return to Flemington for the Newmarket Handicap on March 11.

Brown got to ride Terravista in a trial Warwick Farm earlier this month which helped him not to get to the front too soon.

“It was ideal today as I was able to stalk Hughie (Bowman) and when he got clear room he pinned the ears back,” Brown said.

“It was the Terravista of old.”

Runner-up Spieth had to again settle for second prize in a Group One race after being held-up at a vital stage.

Spieth was beaten a similar margin in the Darley Classic last year.

“We’ll just assess where he is at the end of the week and make a decision on the Newmarket next week,” trainer Bryce Heys said.

Damien Oliver, rider of the seventh-placed $3.60 favourite Flying Artie said the colt was a bit fresh early and didn’t switch off.