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James McDonald has slipped straight back into New Zealand racing as though he never left.

The Sydney-based champion jockey will again be the rider to follow at Ellerslie on New Year's Day with a stellar book of rides in the offing.

McDonald has taken the ride on Gr.2 winner Mosse in the Gr.1 Systema Railway Stakes (1200m) and Atacama in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m).

While Mosse has yet to seal a spot in the Railway, at least three above him in the order of entry are unlikely starters so the John Bell-trained sprinter looks assured of a run.

McDonald will combine with several Sir Peter Vela-raced gallopers on the premier-day programme. As well as Atacama, McDonald is set to ride Scintillula in the Gr.2 Scot Thrust City Of Auckland Cup (2400m) and Rasa Lila in the Dunstan Feeds Championship Final (2200m).

McDonald's other likely rides are Stolen Dance in the Gr.2 Royal Stakes (2000m), Rockfast in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas (1600m), Rocanto in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), Midnitemagicman in the 2100m special conditions maiden and Procurement in the 1600m Rating 75 event.

Cambridge trainer John Bell was optimistic Mosse would secure a start in the Railway, particularly as his trackwork this week has been up with his best.

"He's going very well. This is the race he's been set for and if he gets a run he's going to go well. It's great getting James McDonald to ride him," Bell said.

"Reese Jones will ride Pizzazz in the Railway and he's working a treat as well, so it's a pretty good position to be in."