Lightning strikes twice for Terravista

Sydney trainer 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 The Quarterback, Faatinah and Orujo were all withdrawn from the 1000m race.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.”

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

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

“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.