Emerging young trainer Nick Walsh has given rookie apprentice Brooke Johnson a vote of confidence with her booking for in-form sprinter Age Of Innocence at Emerald on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Johnson has only been riding since July of last year but has already caught the attention of many Rockhampton trainers who regard her as one of the up-and-coming young riders in the region.

Johnson – who claims three kilograms - will now pick up many rides in the area from fellow apprentice Tahlia Fenlon, who has recently lost her country claim.

"Brooke has had three rides for me in the past and she's coming along well," Walsh said.

"She rides a lot of track work for me so I'm happy to help her out wherever I can.

"Tahlia has lost her country claim so Brooke's three kilo claim will be very handy." 

Johnson has only had 107 rides but has an impressive strike rate of 16 per cent with 17 wins and 51 placings.

Her winning ride for Walsh was aboard Rock The Box, who led all the way to win a maiden at Calliope on Boxing Day.

"She did everything right that day and stayed outside the leader and won by more than four lengths, so I can't complain," Walsh said.