Trainer Georgie Holt is hopeful in-form sprinter Hurtle can help extend her big lead in the Townsville trainer’s premiership when the gelding attempts to maintain his unbeaten record this campaign at Cluden Park on Tuesday.

A dry eye might be hard to find in the Ben Williams stable if Molongle Surprise wins the Country Stampede Qualifier at Ewan in North Queensland on Friday.

Set to come out of her time early next year, apprentice jockey Tessa Townsend has made the move to North Queensland with aims of establishing herself in the riding ranks before she soon becomes a senior jockey.

Cairns bookmaker and motel owner Brian Jorgensen is pinning his hopes of a maiden Townsville Cup win with rising star Le Vizir during the 2023 Northern Winter Carnival.

Kiran Quilty is already talking like North Queensland is home.