Champion Tolga trainer Roy Chillemi is hopeful Palencia - one of North Queensland’s star three-year-old's last season - is ready to strike his best form at Townsville on Thursday.

Exciting North Queensland sprinter Palencia will face stiff opposition against a slick field when the gelding makes his return to racing in the Open Handicap at Townsville on Saturday.

Trainer Graeme Hughes is hoping the Prime Ruler form line will stack up at Townsville on Saturday when promising sprinter Family Star and Helmaz attempt to qualify for the $100,000 Cleveland Bay Handicap.

Atherton Tablelands trainer Ricky Ludwig is gearing up for his biggest North Queensland race win in the $105,000 Northern Jewel 3YO at Cluden Park Townsville on Friday week.