There are 21 nominations for the barrel racing at the Gargett Rodeo on Saturday.
Queensland rodeos have been the primary focus of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association in the past three months.
Three of the favourites will be Emerald rider Leanne Caban, Victorian star Shianne O'Donoghue Kent and Candy Michaelis from South Australia.
At the North Queensland Elite Rodeo in late August, Caban was second in round one, first in the final and first in the average in the barrel race.
Michaelis won round one in Townsville and was third in the final and the average to make the long trip north worthwhile.
Reigning APRA all around cowgirl champion Ellysa Kenny will be one to beat in the battle for the all around title in 2020-2021.
She was third in round one and the final at Townsville and second in the average.
Fifteen riders will compete in the junior barrel race at Gargett.
Layney Deguara from Sarina will be one of the riders to watch in the junior and open barrel races in Gargett.
Central Queensland pair Jordan Iker and Jack McKenzie are two of the riders in saddle bronc.
Iker has enjoyed great success in timed events through the juniors and is now also competing in saddle bronc.
McKenzie was first in round one and the final at the North Queensland Elite Rodeo in Townsville to win the average and on form is the favourite for Gargett.
Mitchell Lansdowne was third in round one at Townsville, second in the final and second in the average and has nominated for Gargett.
Albury Wodonga rider Ben Gard will compete in the bull ride in a field which also includes North Queensland cowboy Brumby Brandenburg.
The Gargett Rodeo is the third rodeo in the new season in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.
Prize money to August 31 was used to determine the 15 finalists in each of the eight APRA events for the 2020-2021 season.
After this weekend, riders will have some time off before the start of the run-up to the annual Warwick Rodeo on the last weekend in October.
Wandoan rodeo enthusiasts will host their first professional rodeo for decades when the APRA comes to town on October 23.
APRA program:
September 18 - Gargett Rodeo
October 23 - Wandoan Rodeo
October 27-31 - Warwick Rodeo
