Despite his unwavering belief in Terravista, trainer Joe Pride admits the sprinter's winning return has taken a weight off his shoulders.

The six-year-old had his first start of the spring as the $1.95 favourite in Saturday's Group Two Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

Terravista came out of the pack to take the lead in midway down the straight and held off a spirited Rebel Dane ($6.50) by a neck.

"It's a relief," Pride said.

"He is still a bit soft in condition and everyone can see that.

"He is carrying a fair bit of pudding but there is good improvement in him and we are looking forward to a big spring with him."

A little less than a year ago, Terravista joined Lankan Rupee at the top of the world sprint ratings with his win in the Darley Classic at Flemington.

He came up a little short in the autumn with Group One thirds in the Newmarket Handicap and TJ Smith Stakes followed by an unplaced run in the All Aged Stakes.

"The trademark acceleration was still there today," Pride said.

"He's a bit soft still and I've been nursing him along and taking it a bit easy on him."

Although rival trainer Gary Portelli was a little disappointed Rebel Dane didn't win, he was still happy to see the way he finished the race off.

"Terravista put three lengths on him when he sprinted but then Rebel Dane has run him to a neck," Portelli said.

Hugh Bowman described riding Terravista to steering an F1 car.

"He's a straightforward horse, easy to ride and he's a very relaxed animal," Bowman said.

"When you feel for him, `hes like a genuine F1. He really does have an engine and it's a privilege to ride a horse like him."

That privilege will come again in a few weeks when Terravista takes on Rebel Dane in a star-studded Manikato Stakes.

Among others, the two will be up against Friday night's Moir Stakes winner Buffering, Chautauqua and Lankan Rupee who tuned up for his spring return with a pleasing raceday gallop at Caulfield on Saturday.