Golding had collected just 23 wins from almost 500 drives in four years of junior driving, but he now finds himself hot on the heels of Craig Ferguson as the championship battle moves to Forbury Park tonight.
Golding has 35 wins, one behind Ferguson and three ahead of third-placed Robbie Close (32). After several lean seasons, Golding is loving the chances he has had this year.
A lot of that is down to Woodend Beach trainers Greg and Nina Hope, who Golding joined up with halfway through last year.
''It's one of those things - everyone could be going for it if they got a go,'' Golding said.
''I was lucky that Greg and Nina have given me a good go.''
Golding has driven 21 winners for the Hopes this season, but even his 14 driving wins for other trainers are above his all his previous season tallies.
Golding is open to the idea of travelling to the North Island if the race for the premiership gets tight in the final week or two.
''You've got to go wherever you can - people will put you on, and they'll put Craig and Robbie on, too, so you just go wherever you can get a drive.''
Princess Arts (race 6) is a genuine chance of giving Golding one more to his total at Forbury Park tonight, coming off strong form at the Marlborough two-day meeting last start.
The Paul and Mitchell Kerr-trained filly took on the country's best fillies in group races this season and was less than seven lengths off The Orange Agent at the Harness Jewels.
She began her trip to Marlborough with a fifth on the first day followed by a smart win over Smithy, Usain Colt and Franco Salisbury on the second day.
''She went a bit rough on the first day at Blenheim, which cost her a chance, and the second day she backed up really good,'' he said.
''I think Mitchell and Paul think a bit of her. Obviously, anything can happen, especially down at Forbury, but I think everyone else in the field will be worrying about her.''
Webb Ellis (race 3) did a top job for the Kerrs over the summer, but is fresh-up against some race-hardened - and in-form - pacers tomorrow.
''He's definitely got the ability to win it, but whether he's ready or not, I'm not too sure. It's something that we will soon find out anyway.''
Blue Don (race 8) rarely puts in a bad race, which is why a brief gallop at Forbury Park on June 18 slightly surprised Golding.
''He galloped for a few strides, and I'm not really sure what that was about because he never really gallops and that's why he runs in the money all the time.''
''There's no Och Aye The Noo and that in there this week, so it may be a little bit easier.''
Extremo Velocidad (race 5) should be suited to the standing start, although Golding just hopes the 4yr-old has his mind completely on the job tonight.
''If he puts his best foot forward he's definitely a show because I drove him one day at the workouts and he went really good.''
Golding rated Harrysul and Jericho as the best of his two chances at Addington tomorrow night as he tries to keep Ferguson in his sights.
''Hopefully I can peg a couple back.''
