Pride Bright as a Button for Cleveland Bay

Bowen trainer Tom Button believes there is a strong sense of timing with lightweight chance Northern Pride going into the prestigious Ladbrokes Cleveland Bay Hcp on Saturday.

The Better Than Ready four-year-old has emerged from restricted class with three wins from his past four starts and will tackle the biggest race of his life with just 52kg.

Button, who won the race with Heartbreak Harry in 2007, knows the gelding faces a steep class rise but has been encouraged by a perfect draw in four and the booking of the north’s leading jockey Lacey Morrison.

“The horse looks terrific and his work has been solid. I can’t fault him,” Button said.

“He’s been lucky enough to draw well all this preparation. He’s been racing really well, getting good runs because of good barriers.

“He’s drawn another good alley for this and a couple of good chances have drawn awkwardly so that makes it even better.

“With Lacey on board from there you just feel as though you’re going to get a good crack at it.

“It’s hard to win a Cleveland Bay but I’m confident the horse is well and will give a great account of himself.

“I think Bonaparte is a very good horse and looks the one to beat. He has topweight and we have 52kg. He’s probably got the runs on the board but I think my horse is on the way up.

“And we only have to travel a few hours up the road and do everything at home which is another tick for us.”

Northern Pride seized a guaranteed start in the Cleveland Bay with an impressive win in the Mayor’s Sprint at Cluden a fortnight ago.

He will carry just 52kg on Saturday and will gain a much needed weight advantage over southern visitor Bonaparte and Cairns ace Smart Image who share top weight with 60.5kg.

Northern Pride heads the early markets at around $6.5 in a wide open Cleveland Bay.

Battle Of The Bush winner Tiger Legend, for trainer John Manzelmann, Mr Maestro, Smart Image, Full Recognition, Bonaparte and the former Gai Waterhouse-trained For Valour range from $7 to $11.

Townsville’s leading trainer Georgie Holt, fresh from winning her second Cluden premiership, will saddle up Hurtle who will be on trial at the 1300m trip.

“He drew eight and might come in to six, which is perfect over 1300m first time,” Holt said.

“It was a last minute decision to nominate for the Cleveland Bay. He’s a throw at the stumps.”

Holt also has newcomer Magic Conqueror who comes with solid Brisbane form but is a third emergency.

The Cleveland Bay Hcp is race 8 on the bumper nine-race event Ladbrokes Cup Day card.

Pictured: Northern Pride securing a start in the Ladbrokes Cleveland Bay Handicap with Lacey Morrison in the saddle after storming home to win the Townsville City Council Mayor's Sprint at Cluden Park on Ladies Day. The duo will pair again in tomorrow's premier sprint event of the Winter Racing Carnival.

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.