FORMER trainer Peter Moody won't be too far from his childhood stomping ground when he attends the Charleville races on May 18.
Raised in Wyandra, about two hours down the Mitchell Highway, Moody will be in town in his role as an ambassador for the Battle of the Bush series of races.
"It is a great idea to get interest and in country racing and I have been impressed by what I have seen," Moody said.
Moody will be accompanied by group one winning jockey Clare Lindop, who is also visiting to catch the racing action.
The Charleville Newmarket (1200m) will double as the local qualifier for the Bush series and has attracted 11 acceptors.
Ilfracombe six-year-old Herosim will lead the field from the saddling enclosure after being given the number one saddlecloth.
Trainer Henry Foster, who also has stablemate Zendaye engaged, produced Heroism to win successive races in Mt Isa on April 5 and 20 before taking him to Longreach for a second placing on April 27.
Roma-based Wayne Baker has booked apprentice Madeleine Wishart for the ride on Gendebien, which boasts solid form including a top four finish from his past five outings including a Charleville win in March.
Bevan Johnson, who trains a small string in Miles, is also multiple representatives through Ekstratum and Murphy's Hustler.
Form students expect trainer-jockey David Rewald to play a strong hand with last start winner Wicked Woody after an effortless victory on the course on May 4.
Others runners are Tapestry Vision (David Reynolds, Dalby), Malibu Affair (Craig Smith, Roma), Golovkin (Scott Rogers, Roma), Hanover Square (Leonard Mawn, Chinchilla) and Duck In Dubai (Charlie Prow, Blackall).
Home Hill will also host its Bush qualifier (1180m) and club officials can thank three Mackay stables for providing the runners.
John Manzelmann has accepted with three runners - The Greatest, Lollipop Rocket and La Juliette - and Olivia Cairns (Stellar Knight and Point Forward) and Jade Doolan (Captain's Way and Rocket of Gold) have two apiece.
The Greatest (Street Cry-Samantha Miss) has the bloodlines to be a superstar. He's by the same sire as the recently retired Winx from a multiple Group one winning mare whose record includes a crushing win in the Victoria Oaks.
A five-year-old, The Greatest has contested 17 races for a yield of four wins and five minor placings.
The Battle of The Bush series comprises 16 qualifying heats with graduates earning a starting place in a $125,000 final at Eagle Farm on June 23.