Racegoers intending to visit Towcester on Saturday night for another five Star Sports Derby Trialstakes – including a return of ante post favourite Bruisers Bullet – would do well to arrive early.

The pre-meeting trial session should be just as exciting. Not only is Graham Holland trialling his Irish classic winners Clonbrien Hero and Clares Rocket, Seamus Cahill and Liz McNair are giving work-outs to some of their Trainers Championship teams – including the reigning Greyhound of the Year King Elvis and 2017 Derby finalist in Droopys Acrobat.

When you throw in double Cat One winner Shotgun Bullet, puppy sensation Rising Brandy and Henlow Gold Cup winner Slippy Maggie, tackling six bends for the fist time . .the actual race meeting might just seem like a bonus.