Local bragging rights will be up for grabs in Tolga in Far North Queensland when rival trainers Roy Chillemi and Sharlee Hoffman go head-to-head in the Open Handicap at Townsville on Saturday.

Townsville training family the McGuires are keeping their fingers crossed for a remarkable comeback for one-time Northern Cups hope Tears To Glory at Cluden Park on Saturday.

It is a fitting farewell for Don Scheffler to officially retire from the Country Racing Advisory Panel during the week of the TAB Battle of the Bush Final.

Tolga trainer Roy Chillemi hopes to get a better guide to his winter prospects with a three pronged attack in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap at Townsville on Tuesday.

Champion north Queensland trainer Roy Chillemi has given punters a lead, declaring Higher Realm has had the best preparation of his five starters in the QTIS Jewel Qualifier Three-Year-Old Plate at Cairns on Tuesday.