By Andy Morris of Betfair

The 2008 Spring Carnival is still months away but the local racing community has a spring in its step with a potential bonanza in store.

Last year’s carnival was severely disrupted by the equine influenza outbreak resulting in a dramatically reduced contribution of runners from New South Wales and Queensland, but it will be full steam ahead with the eradication of the virus and all foreseeable roadblocks removed.

A major highlight from last year’s carnival was the emergence of Weekend Hussler, who dazzled fans with his exceptional galloping displays culminating in Group One victories in the Caulfield Guineas and the Ascot Vale Stakes.

He continued his dominance in the autumn with four more wins at the highest level culminating in his standout victory over Racing To Win in the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.

He will head into the new season as the division leader but will be faced by other new season four-year-old contemporaries of high quality including the unbeaten Light Fantastic, Doncaster Handicap winner Triple Honour, Fantastic Light’s son Playwright, Kibbutz and Littorio (who are likely to tackle staying events), Marching and his intriguing stablemate Eighto, an explosive maiden winner at his only start with the powerful Darley stable.

Darley will no doubt have a major impact on the Carnival with their recent $460 million acquisition of the Woodlands Stud racing and breeding stock.

Their rising three-year-olds are likely to contest many of the major classics including VRC Sires Produce winner Von Costa De Hero, the highly promising Falbrav colt Fravashi, Caymans, Portillo and many others.

Other classy 3YOs of the new season set to make an impression include Golden Slipper Stakes winner Sebring, the well bred Champagne Stakes winner Samantha Miss, Rebel Raider from Adelaide, Centennial Park from the David Payne stable, the staying bred Carnero and recent Flemington winner Viallico.

Mares had great success last year (Miss Andretti, Divine Madonna, Devil Moon) and are likely to continue with a plethora of top notch females aiming for many of the Group One contests.

These include Adelaide miler Serious Speed, recent Group One winner Absolut Glam, Forensics (another for Darley), Bart Cummings’ Mimi Lebrock, AJC Oaks heroine Heavenly Glow and the incredibly tough kiwi Boundless (by Van Nistelrooy).

New Zealanders were on show during Sydney’s Autumn carnival with the AJC Derby quinella Nom De Jeu (Montjeu) and Red Ruler (Viking Ruler), and along with NZ Derby winner C’est La Guerre look to feature prominently.

Other potential headline grabbers include Group 1 winners Eremein, El Segundo, Cups winners Master O’Reilly and Efficient, the incredibly popular Apache Cat, Marasco and the possible inclusion of international stars Duke Of Marmalade and the South African star Jay Peg.

Like every year, it promises to be a carnival of high drama and great racing.