Hong Kong-based Australian Nash Rawiller is on standby to ride Manikato Stakes favourite Terravista if Hugh Bowman is unsuccessful in having a suspension overturned.
Bowman’s fight against a ban for improper riding in Saturday’s Caulfield Classic will be heard in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Pride is taking two horses from Sydney for Friday night’s Moonee Valley meeting in search of a maiden Group One win for Terravista and a new car for himself.
“Terravista and Diamond Oasis will go down on Wednesday,” Pride said.
“Terravista is in great order and I can’t wait for the race.
“Diamond Oasis runs in the 955 metre challenge. I want a car.
A Jeep is on offer for the trainer of a horse which can break 55 seconds during the night series of 955m sprints at the Valley.
Terravista, a brother of Group One winner Tiger Tees, has won eight of his 11 starts.
His only foray into Group One racing so far was the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) in the autumn won by Irish visitor Gordon Lord Byron.
It was the worst run of his career and he took some time to recover after a torrid run.
He has won his two starts since, beating In Cahoots in the Show County Quality and I’m All The Talk in The Shorts.
Terravista’s Manikato opposition includes the first three in the Moir Stakes – Queensland champion Buffering, the world’s highest ranked sprinter Lankan Rupee and Group One winner Rebel Dane.
Also in the mix is BTC Cup winner Famous Seamus who made a winning return in the Premiere Stakes earlier this month.
Famous Seamus will be among a host of horses getting a look at the unique Moonee Valley circuit in a series of gallops on Tuesday before acceptances are taken.
Pride did not believe it was necessary to take Terravista to Melbourne early to do the same.
“He is a Group One horse who hasn’t won one yet,” he said.
“He won’t lose anything by having Nash on if Hugh doesn’t win his appeal.
“It’s great to be able to get these top jockeys.”
