Having farewelled stable star Terravista, Joe Pride is turning his attention to another veteran, Destiny’s Kiss.
Dual Group One-winning sprinter Terravista has been retired at the age of eight following a below-par performance at Scone last Saturday week.
Group One racing is now out of reach for nine-year-old Destiny’s Kiss but the durable gelding still has plenty to give and will run in Saturday’s Listed W J McKell Cup (2400m) with the Group Two Brisbane Cup (2200m) two weeks later another goal.
“He is going great,” Pride said.
“This is probably his level on Saturday and if we get any rain, it makes it better for him.”
Destiny’s Kiss, one of 12 McKell Cup entries taken on Monday, has won six races at 2400 metres including the City Tatt’s Cup at Randwick in October.
He worked home nicely in a Warwick Farm barrier trial on Monday under race jockey Jay Ford.
One of the smallest horses in training, Destony’s Kiss will be having his 83rd start on Saturday with his record at 17 wins and the same number of placings for prize money of almost $1.3 million.
In contrast, Terravista’s career was restricted to 32 starts because of ongoing feet issues but he still managed 11 wins and seven placings and earnings of more than $2.6 million.
His highlights were the 2014 Darley Classic and last year’s Lightning Stakes along with a host of Group One placings.
While many horses are retrained for other endeavours when they retire, Terravista will be doing what he likes best.
“Reggie Blundell, one of his owners, has a farm and Terravista is up there standing under a tree watching the world,” Pride said.
“That’s what he’s always done when he’s relaxing. He’s a cool customer and will have a great life.”
Pride also has Pecans entered for Randwick in the At Sea Handicap (1100m).
The winner of the Godolphin Crown at Hawkesbury on April 28, Pecans can confirm a Stradbroke Handicap with a repeat performance.
While Pecans and Destiny’s Kiss have a couple of weeks before they head north, stablemate New Tipperary is the early favourite for the Lord Mayor’s Cup (1600m) at Doomben on Saturday.
New Tipperary was an unlucky fourth in the Scone Cup when he was boxed in and couldn’t get a clear run in the straight.
– AAP
