With five meetings left across New Zealand before the top-12 leaderboard in each category is confirmed on Sunday night, some connections will be gnawing at their fingernails as each race is run between now and Sunday.
In the 2yr-old fillies category, the top eight are safe, and the last four also appear to be locked in to accept an invitation to Cambridge after none of the five pacers in positions 13 to 17 were nominated for races this week.
The Cran Dalgety-trained Delightful Lana looks likely to be the first emergency unless one of the top 12 is withdrawn or the connections of the invited Australian horse, Bamako Mali, decide not to cross the Tasman Sea.
The withdrawal of speedy filly Willow from the 3yr-old fillies category has allowed the Tony Herlihy-trained Snooki to take 12th spot in the rankings in a field that almost looks set in stone.
Hypothetically, there are many outside chances in this Friday's New Zealand Oaks who could make the final cut for the Jewels with at worst a $21,000 second-place finish in the Oaks. Even the filly Cala - ranked 53rd - could squeeze into the top 12 despite having $7760 to her name this season.
However, any leapfrogging is unlikely, and the main question remains whether the connections of Tasmanian filly Barynya will accept the invitation extended to her by Harness Racing New Zealand last night.
Vera's Delight (20th) is technically a chance to slip into the top 12, if she can pocket the $5000 winners' cheque in an $8000 c1 mobile pace at Ascot Park on Saturday.
The majority of the 4yr-old field could all be running for second, after Rolleston trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen opted to give star mare Adore Me a brief let-up ahead of the $150,000 feature at Cambridge. She was outstanding beating Terror To Love in the Easter Cup and was far from disgraced running third in the Taylor Mile.
One Australian horse is invited in each category. If the connections choose not to accept, the 13th spot will be filled by the first New Zealand emergency.
The decision for many southern owners to travel to Cambridge might be more compelling in the fillies' categories than the colts and geldings editions. The lure of a group 1 placing in a fast mile time is a tasty temptation when looking to breed from a mare after her racing career.
2yr-old fillies: Joanne's A Delight, Linda Lovegrace, Democrat Party, Fight For Glory, Katy Perry, Unforgiving, Bettor Be Supreme, Cyclone Kate, Supersonic Miss, Art Exhibit, Bettor Think Twice, Bird Of Paradise, Delightful Lana (emergency)
Australian invite: Bamako Mali (possible)
Chasing a spot this week: None starting or can win enough
3yr-old fillies: Venus Serena, Rocknroll Arden, Ideal Belle, Raksdeal, Royal Counsel, Lancewood Lizzie, Rockn Ruby, Saharazona, Ideal Power, Charleston Belle, Goodness Gracious Me, Snooki, Happy Heidi (emergency)
Australian invite: Barynya (possible)
Chasing a spot this week: Albuquerque and Delightful Dash (26th and 27th - second or better in New Zealand Oaks), Mach's Love (second or better in New Zealand Oaks)
4yr-old fillies: Adore Me, Helena Jet, River Polka, Onlyforyou, The Fascinator, Beckinsale, Lauramegan, Maloo, Chillysjustastrutter, Russley Haste, Christy Breanna, Whisper Jet, Steel The Light (emergency)
Australian invite: Frith (not coming)
Chasing a spot this week: Stradowan (17th - must win at Oamaru), Chanelle Bromac (19th - must win at Manawatu), Vera's Delight (20th - must win at Ascot Park).
