Cahill sweating on Dream ride in Cleveland Bay

31 July 2024

Races

By Garry Dell

Astute Atherton Tablelands trainer Ricky Ludwig has "big race" Brisbane jockey Michael Cahill on a sweating standby for the $100,000 Cleveland Bay Handicap at Cluden Park on Saturday.

Ludwig is awaiting Wednesday night's barrier draw for North Queensland's premier sprint before confirming a jockey for leading sprinter Yes Dream. 

"Michael is prepared to get down to Dream's weight of 55.5 kilograms if we draw a decent alley," Ludwig said.

"The horse is back to near his top and we only need to draw closer than nine for him to be a big chance.

"He's won two of his five starts for me since I bought him from Michael Lee and he has ran well with big weights.

"He failed over 1400 metres at Cairns between those runs but I don't think he's a 1400 metre horse.

Ricky Ludwig Next Racing
Yes Dream Next Racing

"He ran fourth in the Cleveland Bay last year and loves Townsville where he's won seven races, including the three-year-old feature over 1300 metres two years ago against the likes of Palencia and Fire King.

"He's also a Brisbane winner and hasn't been over raced."

The Cleveland Bay attracted 31 nominations with the Cairns-trained Smart Image the equal top weight with 60.5 kgs.

The sprint "consolation" $50,000 Cape Cleveland Benchmark 75 Handicap over 1200 metres has received 34 nominations.

The $150,000 Townsville Cup over 2000 metres will be headlined by Namazu who has been allotted 62 kgs in pursuit of his third straight win in the feature race.

Races