WATCH: Tony Bullen takes on the Gold Cup and Summer Stayers Classic with these four dogs

The buckle between Fromposttopillar and Droopys Clue in the 2023 Summer Stayers Classic Final went down as one of the most memorable races seen last year and this year’s renewal promises to be just as exciting with six first round heats kicking off over 630m at Monmore on Saturday evening.

Despite that defeat, Droopys Clue went on to be crowned 2023 Greyhound Of The Year following his exploits over various distances and Seamus Cahill’s dog is the one they have to beat even though he is facing some fierce opposition, most notably in the form of Coronation Cup star New Destiny.

Unfortunately, Droopys Clue was forced to miss the Derby at Towcester following a setback after breaking the track record in a trial stake. However, patience has been key with this classy sort and his exploits since confirm he is better than ever.

He was a gallant third in the Sussex Cup at Hove, but it was his demolition job of the opposition in a trial stake stepping back up to six bends last weekend that really set the pulse racing.

A dog that is showing more urgency in the early stages, if the 35kg framed Droopys Clue manages to turn in the front rank in this event, there surely isn’t a dog in the country capable of pegging him back.

New Destiny was always destined to make waves on the open scene since her facile debut success over 480m at Monmore in May 2023, she claimed the scalp of Droopys Clue in her second career start at Hove. A few blips did creep into her game on the big occasion, but she was sensational in capturing the Coronation Cup at Romford and has warmed-up for this event with some equally impressive victories over the 630m trip. When she does see daylight, her huge engine comes into play as she really does cover the ground in full flight, but she is vulnerable to getting crowded out in the early stages now and again, a trait which would surely hand the edge to Droopys Clue should they meet at any stage of the competition.

The short run to the bend over 630m can be advantageous to an early paced railer, but with there being only seven wide seeds, it could be worth adding one to the ante-post portfolio. King Combs might not be a prolific winner, but is a dog that has always been blessed with a consummate amount of pace and has kept top bracket company throughout his career.

Liz McNair’s striking clack does enter unknown territory stepping up to six bends for the first time, but the decision to ask him the stamina question does make an event that is already Vindaloo hot to and even hotter dish. He is a dog that can quicken up at any stage of a race and should this experiment work out, King Combs is more than capable of ruffling a few feathers.

The Gold Cup has attracted some of the leading names over four-bends, where ferocious early pace is going to be the name of the game.

Churchfield Syd heads into this event fresh having finished a respectable fourth in the Derby at Towcester. Richard Rees charge could probably call Monmore his second home having enjoyed plenty of highlights over the standard 480m trip. He finished second to Links Maverick in this event last year, won the Kent Derby at Central Park. He crossed the line in front in the Winter Derby, but was stripped off that title following an enquiry. He runs the counters of the track extremely well and if he does arrive with his trapping boots, further big race success could be on the cards.

Antigua Eagle showed up well when contesting the Monmore Puppy Derby final in March and his recent exploits at Newcastle and prep trial suggests Kevin Hutton’s charge can throw his hat into the ring. He has been showing good early gears and is certainly putting up some healthy fractions to the third turn. Being able to go toe-to-toe with any on the dash to the turn is a potent weapon and is a dog clearly bouncing with a bit of sunshine on his back.