KEY POINTS:
Trainers, jockeys and owners join race fans in looking forward to the racing carnivals.
There is a lot of expectation remaining in the air after Boxing Day at Ellerslie, particularly with another massive programme going around on New Year's Day.
So we thought we'd ask some of the major players for their best chances as they see it in the next five to seven days.
There were a couple of surprises and a few that surprise no one.
Noel Harris is looking to New Year's Day: "I'm really looking forward to riding Everswindell in the City Of Auckland Cup. That was a massive finish to take second behind me on Sarajay in the Gasmate Stakes at 1600m last start.
"Even though that was coming back from 3200m it didn't surprise me because I knew she would freshen well.
"That run showed how much she has matured.
"She should be very hard to beat at Ellerslie."
Commentator George Simon has been staring at a lot of horses through his binoculars lately and must have come up with a couple to follow - and he has.
"Ginga Dude, oh boy, what a run it put in fresh up at Te Rapa the other day. It was huge. I don't like the fact that Luke Radich and Mike Dillon also fancy it - there is a limit to how many of us it can carry to victory.
"But on the Te Rapa run it might just be able to do that.
'If I'm allowed one more pick, I recommend Pinsoir."
Matamata trainer John Sargent is going through a magical patch and has multiple in-form runners at most meetings. Everswindell is one of his and he has another less-known candidate about to make its debut.
"I've got a 2-year-old filly, Straitothepoolroom, who will run either at Taupo on Sunday or in the Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on January 1.
"She's a real little runner and there was a lot to like about her Avondale barrier trials win.
"Obviously, the Karaka Million is a target if she shapes up on raceday."
Fellow Matamata trainer Lance O'Sullivan had a big day at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, winning the Eight Carat Classic with class filly Satinka.
He'll be looking for the bonny filly to back up strongly in the $125,000 Royal Stakes at Ellerslie, on January 1, and has some other talent about to emerge.
"I'll give you one that I don't think is a good thing, but a filly I really like. It's Joan's Chance, a 2-year-old filly running at Taupo on Sunday.
"She's really looking to be a 3-year-old already, but she's got ability and we're looking to see if we can head her towards the Matamata Breeders Stakes in February.
"She might be more of a place chance than a win chance, but she's one punters can look at and follow.
"One as a good long-term prospect."
Trackside Television presenter Steve Davis is like George Simon. He should be almost giddy from watching so many go around lately.
Surely one has stuck in the grey matter.
"Yes, Mr Shanghai from the Rogerson/Newham stable.
"Garry Newham gave it a huge plug after it won at the barrier trials.
"He said it was one of the best he's put a saddle on since he arrived in New Zealand.
"On that basis, he'll be hard to hold out at Ellerslie on Saturday."
Jockey Jason Waddell has had a bit of a roller coaster ride lately and is looking forward to the final day of the Ellerslie carnival.
"I like the way Fiscal Madness finished off in the handicap at Te Rapa and he has to be a good ride in the Rich Hill Mile on New Year's Day.
"He's a good horse who just needs the right run to take a nice race and this could be one of those races."
Okay, we've heard from those who like a horse to follow, now let's hear from someone from the others side of the fence.
Someone who, by Australian parlance, is happy to take a horse on - TAB bookmaker Paul Lally.
There must be one he has decided might not be able to win and will "take on".
"Yes, Baldessarini in the Railway."
That may surprise a few.
"Well, it was a good second first-up from his long spell, but he's had only the two races in two years and he's getting on a bit.
"In a race like the Railway we'll probably be prepared to offer better odds than punters might think.
Trackside Television producer Mark Claydon is an astute form student and fancies one at good odds on New Year's Day.
"If I can have one it's Tarbach in the Dunstan Stayers. Te Rapa didn't suit and he's got a terrific record at Ellerslie.
"He's the sleeper in this race."
If Onform has a choice of two of these to be with it's Everswindell and Tarbach.
