The Darley Classic promised so much, and this time delivered, the best sprint field seen at Flemington in a long while.

Sydneysider, Terravista, continued the success of interstate horses over the carnival when scoring a brilliant win in the Darley Classic.

Previously known as the Patinack, it is the major sprint over the four days attracting the best sprinters that can be assembled at this time of the year.

The winner, Terravista, was set a huge task, with 400 metres to run he only had two horses behind him and looked to have been set a mammoth task to even run a place.

Once rider, Hugh Bowman, found a passage Terravista answered the challenge, he broke 12 seconds for the final 200 metres.

Trainer, Joe Pride, declared the gelding in world class saying,” I didn’t think he was going to get up, when I saw him so far back I wasn’t happy where he was placed, but that’s why you put blokes like Hughie Bowman on, he judged it to a tee , a great ride.” he added.  

Lankan Rupee was placed on notice to defend his claim as being the best sprinter in the world.

Backing up that reputation bookmakers were quite liberal opening him up at $5.00, he remained at that quote mostly throughout betting, except for a short time when he drifted slightly.

The gelding was not the dominant force he had been in the autumn, whilst he led for some time he could not open up a margin as he had previously.

Chad Schofield was the substitute rider for Lankan Rupee after regular jockey, Craig Newitt, was suspended at Mornington, the previous Sunday.

The trip to Perth for the Winterbottom Stakes have since been scrapped, he has now gone to the paddock for a break.

Terravista in the center winning the Darley Classic