TONY BULLEN: Three selections who will be trying to Eclipse their rivals

Newinn Syd was crowned the Eclipse King in 2023 and the defending champ showed he is ready to make a gallant bid to defend the title by winning a trial stake. However, it will take some effort to achieve that objective with an abundance of classy types lining up in the 36-runner event at Nottingham on Monday.

The 500m trip at Nottingham is a test of any greyhound and Patrick Janssens is going to war with a very solid team of six, spearheaded by stalwart Romeo Command. The 2023 Derby runner-up boasts as good a CV as any four-bend performer in the country and his exploits in big events underline just how consistent he is.  He ran riot in a recent prep race and the fact he is capable of going toe-to-toe with the opposition in the early exchanges, the middle part of the race and has a knack of sustaining a strong gallop is a trait that can see Romeo Command capture this prestigious title.

Barntick Bear has made up into a very smart type over four and six bends, but despite winning back-to-back races over the 500m trip at Nottingham in a build-up to his tilt at this event. He will surely have to show a little bit more urgency at the start as giving a healthy lead to some of the big guns might just be too big of an ask.

Wicky Ned was purchased to achieve big things on the track and Jimmy Fenwick’s charge has certainly done that and some. He started off his career by winning the Gymcrack at Sheffield, a tilt at the Derby probably came a bit soon for him, but since that first-round exit, big race success has come in the Northern Flat at Newcastle and most recently the Steel City Cup at Sheffield. He packs an early punch and has also added grit and determination to his game by digging deep when required to win his races.

Slick Sakina’s proved the female of the species can be deadlier than the male by winning the event in 2022 Eclipse. Of the seven bitches in the competition this year it would be fair to say Avongate Venus is the one who could put the gents firmly in their place.

She has seen her form dip since a superb unbeaten record in the Empress Stakes at Towcester, but her recent trials suggest all is well On the basis she has fared well in the draw on both counts for the first round. Phil Milner’s bitch could easily ignite and resume her potent winning ways.

Those looking for something at bigger odds, the lightly raced Droopys Plunge is worth a second glance. With little mileage on the clock, he has already clamed the scalp of kennelmate Barntick Bear in a sub-29-second time over 500m at Towcester and his recent win at Perry Barr suggests there might be more in the locker.

Ante-post selections

First Round Boosted Double