Brad Williamson has one simple plan with Father Christmas in Saturday's group 1 Harness Jewels 4yr-old ruby division at Ashburton - follow that horse.
The horse in question is Belles Son, the winner of his last six starts in quite outstanding fashion.
And that plan should be easier than most to put into practice as the Phil Williamson-trained trotter is drawn immediately behind Belles Son, giving Williamson jun a perfect passage into the race.
While Belles Son is yet to feature in the placings in four mobile starts, those efforts were more than a year ago, so Williamson sees no concerns following out the second-favourite.
''I'm sure he'll be fine,'' Williamson said.
''He's got Dexter [Dunn] on him and Dexter won't be planning on galloping with him, that's for sure.''
With the Mark Purdon-driven King Denny drawn 1, and Majestic Time drawn in barrier 3, there should be early speed, and at worst, it seems Father Christmas might be three-back in the one-out line if not in the much coveted one-out, one-back spot.
''It's hard to know what's going to happen, but if Belles Son is parked and I'm on his back [with Father Christmas], that would be ideal,'' he said.
''I imagine that Purdon would want to hold the running line, and Majestic Time will want to get parked so it will be interesting.
''There should be a lot of speed early there which should suit our guy. It's probably our only chance of winning if these favourites run themselves into the deck.''
Williamson will not be wanting any slow 400m sectionals during the middle of the race, as Father Christmas is a true stayer rather than a sit-sprint type, and the draw means he should make the most of his energy reserves if a sustained run is required.
''We don't have to burn out to get any position. We'll be there right from the start where we want to be. He'll just do as much work as is dictated by the others.''
Williamson (20) is having his third Harness Jewels career drive on Saturday, after a third with Monnay and eighth with Miss Pegasus at Ashburton in 2013.
''For me, I'm young and haven't had many group 1 [prestige] drives,'' Williamson said.
''I've had a couple of Jewels drives and had a third, so I've had a wee taste of what it's like to get a bit of money there. It's good fun, that's for sure.''
Father Christmas had a short trip to Oamaru Racecourse from his Waiareka Valley base yesterday for a hit-out on a larger track.
''We can't do anything more with him, that's for sure.''
Phil Williamson may yet have another runner at the meeting, with a decision being made on the fitness of Habibti Ivy within the next 24 hours.
If the filly is scratched, the Williamson-trained Springbank Eden will make the 3yr-old ruby field.
