Sydney-based jockey Hugh Bowman has described his mount Terravista’s barrier five draw in the Winterbottom Stakes 2016 on Saturday as a “gorgeous gate” for the Group 1 winning sprinter.

The weekend’s $1 million Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot Racecourse is shaping-up as a must-win for the Joe Pride-trained seven-year-old who hasn’t managed a victory since the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) first-up in October of 2015.

“I don’t think there’s any question about his ability but it’s a long time since he’s won so he needs to win,” Bowman told the media this week.

It has been a troublesome period for Pride and his 2014 Darley Classic winning son of Captain Rio with plenty going wrong for Terravista over the past season or so.

First-up back in February the horse lost the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington when runner-up to Chautauqua after the whip-fumbling of jockey Damien Oliver.

Feet issues have plagued the horse ever since and Pride was forced to send the horse out for lengthy spell before his eye-catching return on Oaks Day during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Under 60.5kg the galloper finished a brave second to Redzel when just nosed out of the win in the Listed G.H. Mumm Stakes (1000m) with Bowman aboard.

That performance prompted Pride to push onto Perth for a shot at the Winterbottom Stakes, Bowman retaining the ride.

“That was the first time in a while that he’s run through the line so that pleased me,” Bowman said.

“I took confidence from that whereas last preparation I took no confidence out of any run. I was gutted because he just wasn’t producing what we know he can.

“I understand Joe had terrible trouble with his feet last preparation but he’s very happy with him now and he felt fantastic at Flemington.

“If he can improve off that run, 1200 metres is going to be more comfortable for him.”

In a 12-starter field Terravista is drawn just better than mid-field in gate five, which gives the horse every opportunity according to Bowman.

“I think that’s a gorgeous gate for him,” the hoop said.

“I’d prefer not to find myself hemmed in on the fence because it’s a tight turn and he’s a big horse that needs to be balanced to produce his best.”

Terravista occupies the second line of Winterbottom Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au paying $3.50 in markets led by last start Darley Classic winner Malaguerra ($3.20) who has the inside run from barrier one.

To check out the full markets and to back your Winterbottom Stakes tips at the right price head to Ladbrokes.com.au now – home of Odds Boost Extra on the Winterbottom this weekend (T&Cs apply).