Northern Jewel champion set for higher southern honours

By Garry Dell

Unbeaten Atherton Tableland galloper Yes Dream may be headed for a Brisbane campaign in the near future after a scintillating romp to victory in the $105,000 Northern Jewel Handicap over 1300 metres at Cluden Park on Friday.

Owner-trainer Michael Lee said he would take a few days to decide the gelding's future.

"I'll take him home, see how he pulls up and then think about where we'll head next,” Lee said.

"We might keep him up for the coming winter carnival here and Cairns but we've got to be prepared to get heavier weights so it may be worth while to look at races down south.

"He's such a perfect horse to have him around the stables and he's quite laid back in everything he does.

"Lacey Morrison, who rides him, knows him perfectly and the pair have clicked right from the start.”

Yes Dream provided an arm chair ride for Townsville jockeys' premiership leader - the comeback queen Morrison - to race up near the lead and booted well clear at the 200 metre mark to win from Mackay "iron horse" Fire King and the Roy Chillemi-trained Palencia.

Lord Of Light, piloted by Beaudesert teenage sensation Jasmine Cornish, rattled home from near the rear of the big field to finish a close fourth.

Yes Dream recorded his fifth career win after a month's break.

Although going into the race fresh, Yes Dream appeared unfazed and showed his customary speed from a wide barrier to sit up near the front until Morrison released the brakes on straightening up and the Dream Ahead gelding quickly put a winning break on the field.

Lee bred Yes Dream from his outstanding sprinter and broodmare Platinum Ruby, who is also the dam of recent Brisbane winner Ruby July.

Palencia, giving away 2.5kg to Yes Dream, loomed up to a challenging position at the 200 metre mark but the effort told near the line and he was cut out of second in the final few strides by Fire King, who was ridden a treat by Ryan Wiggins.

Among the other fancied runners, Isis Carmella and Tilly's Secret found the occasion and pace beyond them. 

Wiggins finished the day on a winning note for trainer Steve Massingham and Leviathan owner Tom Hedley with a rejuvenated Full Recognition at good odds.

Full Recognition showed his customary flying finish to overhaul Maquereau with former Townsville Horse Of The Year Dalon.

He provided the Hedley-led ownership group with the third leg of a treble to follow on their treble at Cairns on Tuesday.

The other legs were the brilliant two-year-old Missile Thunder and Nebaraz.