My affinity with a regularly recited rejoinder of a former boss: "I am just a simple country lad," must be the reason for my struggles to understand the columnists, or sophisticated minions of the metropolis, and their turgid tirade of opposition to John Messara's appointment as chairman of Racing New South Wales.

Back in Bundaberg as a youngster there was a definitive double-edged mantra: have a go yourself and give the other bloke a fair go.

Messara has been damned even before he assumed his seat at the head of the Racing NSW board table.

One is entitled to assume that, because of his substantial interest in racing as a breeder and racehorse owner, he would have at heart the best interests of the entire racing community. Isn't it presumptuous to say he would be biased in one particular direction?

At the very least, he should be given the chance to substantiate his mettle.

Presumably, one of his priorities will be to find a solution to the looming dominance of the equine foreign legion on our greatest showpiece, the Melbourne Cup.

Messara is assuming a vital and powerful position with the capacity to guide the future of racing and secure its long term prosperity.

If he succeeds all will be well but if he fails, then his opponents in the fourth estate are free to give him a good old-fashioned metaphorical mangling.

However, he should be given a fair go first.

The story this week that owners of outstanding three-year-old Manawanui had rejected a $2million offer only underlines the indecipherable worth of a racehorse.

To many, a $2million price tag for a gelding that so far has won $1.2million in prizemoney would appear reasonable. After all, the future of any horse is tenuous at best.

But, as the group of owners retorted, they are having too much fun.

And good luck to them too.

Now to the burning question of the weekend: will we be able to fill our Christmas stockings with cash at Canterbury's Christmas Eve meeting?

In race six I am banking on Rockin' Rocket for two expatriate Kiwis, Graeme Rogerson and jockey Jim Cassidy, being able to hit the target in a 1550 metre essay.

Rockin' Rocket has first-rate credentials over this course having had eight previous attempts for four wins and three minor placings.

Fitter for three runs since a spell he should be primed to perfection,

There is an appropriate air about Happy Finish in the final event (race eight) at Canterbury.

From the Canberra stable of Matthew Dale this eight-year-old has retained his zest for racing under heavy weights on country courses, with a victory at Albury and placings at Canberra and Wagga.

With older apprentice Andrew Stead in the saddle, Happy Finish will drop to 55.5 kilograms, which may furnish a flush finale to the day for his followers.