Joe Pride has had the last laugh with Terravista confirming his place on top of the world in the latest international ratings.
Terravista joined Lankan Rupee on 123 in the latest international rankings, a figure that seals the pair as the world’s best sprinters.
A couple of months ago Pride copped a backlash when he tweeted “Terravista World’s Best Sprinter”, something he thought would be taken in the humorous spirit he intended.
When Pride made that statement, Terravista’s biggest win was the Group Two Shorts and he had yet to take on Lankan Rupee.
The first time he did in the Manikato, Terravista came off fifth best in a finish in which the first eight across the line were less than a length from Lankan Rupee.
He made up for it in last Saturday’s Group One Darley Classic beating Chautauqua and Lankan Rupee to fulfil his destiny.
“I said what I said before he’d done what I knew he could,” Pride said.
“I couldn’t believe the reaction it got. It was a bit of fun.
“Now I can sit back and bask in it.
“It all came together and now he’s got a high-class rating to go with it.”
Pride makes no secret of the fact he believes Terravista is the best horse he has ever trained and he expects him to add to his Group One tally in the autumn.
“The plan is to go into the Newmarket Handicap first-up,” he said.
“Then we will look at the TJ Smith.”
Also residing with Pride at Warwick Farm is Ball Of Muscle, a half brother to Terravista and a full brother to another stablemate, Group One winner Tiger Tees.
Ball Of Muscle is working through the grades and claimed his fifth win from seven starts at Randwick on the same day Terravista broke his Group One duck.
“We won’t rush him but I do expect him to step up in the autumn and winter,” Pride said.
Pride does not have any more of their dam Parfore’s progeny in his stable but will continue with the family.
“I’ve got a Darci Brahama filly I bought earlier this year who is a out of a daughter of Parfore, Ininthree,” he said.
“She doesn’t have a name yet but she is a lovely filly to work with.”
