Mcgahon Toots win would land ante-post plunge but opposition is tough
Tonight's Eclipse Final at Nottingham features an amazing three derby winners and
Victor Chandler are hoping at least one of them gets the better of the well-backed Mcgahon Toots in the 9.45 contest.
The locally-trained Paul Sallis runner was popular at 33/1 with ante-post punters and is now just 4/1 to prevail in the decider from trap one after winning his last two races over this 500 metres trip.
However, the opposition is strong and VC spokesman Steve Lewis said: "Our early prices reflect the wide open aspect of the race, with our favourite trap four Kinda Ready at 11/4.
"This one would be better housed nearer the rails but his running style suits this big gallop, he has performed near to his 2009 Derby winning best in this event and will be hard to beat if negotiating the early turns without trouble.
"This year's Derby hero Bandicoot Tipoki goes from trap three and is priced up at 3/1 with VC. This fellow can do it at both ends and ticks all the class boxes, but the key to his chances lies in clearing the very fast starting early paced runner in trap two Nambisco.
"The last named has made a fine return from serious injury and if his problems are behind him this former Scottish Derby winner will make a bold bid to make all. He is currently a 4/1 chance with VC.
"The other three dogs all have chances if the race pans out their way though. Mcgahon Toots is a strong runner who will benefit from any crowding up front, is in the form of his life and well suited to Nottingham.
"Five dog Ballymac William has strong open race form and is as quick as most at taking up a prominent position early and he cannot be ruled out, whilst the six dog Tudor Prince looks like he has a good make-up with five railers in opposition and any coming together on his inner at the first bend will offer a chance for him to slip around the outer."
The card looks a tricky one for punters given the current weather conditions, with some trainers finding travelling difficult and certain tracks suffering a distinct draw bias as meetings progress.
However, Lewis added: "Bandicoot Frisky, trained by Charlie Lister, looks to have plenty in her favour in the bitches only opener on SKY at 7.40. Nicely housed on the inner she ought to have a clear run to the corner and looks good enough to beat this lot.
"The 9.25 features another strong favourite in trap one in Mill Pinpoint, who ran well in the heats of the Eclipse before going out after crowding in the semis. Before that run he had won his last five races in great style, including the final of the All England Cup at Newcastle.
"He also won the Steel City Cup at Sheffield in late August, showing great guts and determination to hold on and repel all challengers, and is a class act - although at the early odds of 1/2 you won't be getting your Xmas expenses out of this one!"
