It evolved around the Villiers at Randwick, the final meeting before Christmas, until some dimwit decided on a change of date and venue. In those days, chicken more than turkey was on the festive menu and zacs (sixpence) in the pudding were a hazard to the tooth – but a racing result was always sweeter in the season of goodwill.

Being a new-age New Zealander, leading trainer Chris Waller, who prepares Kristy Lee, is unaware of the custom but has found a target race for the  difficult-to-handle mare. Waller has employed Samantha Clenton, the bush lass with sweet hands, to fill the Santa role. Just as important as her touch is Clenton's three-kilogram claim, bringing Kristy Lee's weight down to 58kg.

Kristy Lee has been campaigning to no avail in Melbourne but the key to her is shown in her three attempts over Saturday's course and distance, 1200metres – a win and a second.

Holy Delusions, a stablemate of Kristy Lee, should be considered, while Dream Empress, trained by Gai Waterhouse, is ready to run boldly.

Verdict: Kristy Lee.

Backing Bowman

Perhaps Hugh Bowman has given a lead in the TAB Place Multi Plate for two-year-olds in which Waller has Feast For Eyes and Micucci. In recent barrier trials, Bowman was on big hopes on Saturday: Feast For Eyes, John O'Shea's Ottoman and Pride Of Dubai (Peter and Paul Snowden).

However, he will handle Pride Of Dubai, about which the TAB's Glenn Munsie reported: "Punters charged straight into this unraced two-year-old and he's firmed from $8 into $4.80."

Ottoman, though, is the early favourite. "She's among our top 15 or 20 two-year-olds so far," assistant trainer Darren Beadman said of the Godolphin youngster. "She's very athletic and seems to take everything in her stride — everything John has done with her she has accepted well."

Despite having something in reserve under Bowman, she scored comfortably in a barrier trial heat and James McDonald, much favoured by O'Shea, takes over on Saturday.

Verdict: Pride Of Dubai.

Impressive enough

Waller has three chances in the Cellarbrations Handicap: Harrier Jet, a last-start winner, Redoutable Heart, and Avonaco. Kaepernick, more tractable as a gelding, is a promising type against them while I Am Impressed should be prime.

"Ron Quinton left a lot of improvement in I Am Impressed first-up," Michael Wood of theraceguide .com.au said. "He wasn't fit in the yard and can turn the tables on Harrier Jet this time."

Regarding Kaepernick, Andrew Brown (Sportingbet) on the Racenet poll of leading betting houses reckoned: "Fan of the horse and the 49ers quarterback of the same name but a tad skinny at $2.50."

Verdict: I Am Impressed.

Bubbling along

Waller has top contenders in the Schweppes Handicap with Windjammer, Champagne Cath and MurderOf Crows.

"Murder Of Crows was well supported prior to a deluge that hit Rosehill last start," Matt Stead (Centrebet) pointed out. "Back to a good surface, Jim Cassidy will get him to the middle of track and get over the top of them."

Champagne Cath, out of form last campaign, is resuming and barrier trials indicate she will go well while Windjammer is the fit, form horse.

Verdict: Champagne Cath.

Alfonso favoured

Last-start winners Centre Pivot and Vashka are fancied in the TAB Rewards Handicap with Waller's The Alfonso ready to impress and his hard-to-catch Specific Choice a query.

Centre Pivot has a detractor in Luxbet's Josh Rose. "No doubting his ability which he showed last start but think this is a decent class rise and the market has over-reacted," he maintained.

Vashka has won his past three but is untried over the 1500 metres.

Verdict: The Alfonso.

Bah! Humbug! 

Should Waller not supply the ingredients, suggest the recipe of Ebenezer Scrooge for a tasty gruel on Thursday.