Trainer Les Gordy is hopeful former barrier rogue Captain Bond can stake a claim for the Cleveland Bay Handicap during the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival when the four-year-old tackles the Open Handicap at Townsville on Thursday.

Trainer Les Gordy has pencilled in long range plans to target the Cleveland Bay Handicap during the northern winter carnival after former Victorian sprinter Demon Award makes his comeback at Cluden Park on Thursday.

Youthful Townsville trainer Les Gordy is seeking a long-range double on Saturday at Doomben in the Country Stampede Final and on his home track at Cluden.

Mackay trainer John Manzelmann is hoping the ghosts of a past Cairns Cup bid doesn’t return to haunt his challenge for another title at Cannon Park on Saturday.