George Ryder Stakes 2014: Heavy track holds no fears for Terravista

Joe Pride is ignoring an obvious hole in Terravista’s record but not the enormity of the task in the $1 million George Ryder Stakes.

Doncaster Mile-bound Terravista goes into the Group One race at Rosehill on Saturday without an official wet-track start against his name.

Terravista
Terravista

But Pride is sure the sprinter will get through a surface expected to be rated in the heavy range with a minimum of fuss.

“If ever I’ve been certain a horse will handle it without ever actually being on it, it is him,” Pride said.

“His first start which he won was on a dead track and it was immediately downgraded to slow for the next race.

“He won by four lengths with his head on his chest.”

Terravista is unbeaten in two autumn runs, claiming the Southern Cross Stakes and Liverpool City Cup.

But Pride expects to know the full extent of Terravista’s Doncaster chances after his weight-for-age lead-up.

“It’s not a race we have a great deal of expectation about,” he said.

“It’s more about getting him ready for the Doncaster and seeing if he is a Doncaster horse.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!