Over the past century-or-so at Warrnambool's May racing carnival they've seen just about everything.

But never has the three-day meeting had an American galloper in one of its feature races.

Wild Mia a six-year-old mare having her first start in Australia changes all that on Wednesday when she runs in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m).

Owned by prominent Victorian breeders Anthony Mithen and Nigel Austin who raced her in her most recent American starts, Wild Mia's best form has been over longer trips.

But despite racing over a sprint course, and despite barrier 20, her trainer Troy Corstens is looking forward to testing her against the locals.

"She's shown me a lot on the track since she joined us here and I'm quite pleased with her," Corstens said.

"It's been a while since she won but one her best recent runs was over 1300 metres so I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm not just going down there for the sake of it, I'm taking her there to win."

Wild Mia's owners bought her as a breeding prospect but she failed to get in foal in her first season in Australia so was sent back to the track.

The Warrnambool May meeting kicks off on Tuesday with five of the eight runners engaged in Thursday's Grand Annual Steeplechase providing a preview in the Brierly Steeple.

Tobouggie Nights, Regal Heir, Via Savoia, End Of Time and Banna Strand all run in the 3450m warm-up.

Trainer Patrick Payne has scratched last year's Grand Annual winner Awakening Dream, reserving him for Thursday's race.

The jumps program begins with two maiden hurdles, both featuring a Robert Smerdon-trained, Steve Pateman-ridden runner with strong claims.

In the first division, the pair have Brothers Bent, a placegetter at his jumping debut at Ballarat last start, while Cuzzy Bro, a first-timer over the obstacles represents them in the second division.