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Despite a somewhat surprising defeat to unconsidered Ballymac Xavi in last week's semi-finals, Droopys Cristian can return to winning ways when it matters by claiming Sheffield's biggest race of the year, the aptly named Steel City Cup.

While that defeat remains hard to quantify, Droopys Crisitan's overall Sheffield record bears the greatest of scrutiny, with nine wins from 13 starts, but it's his trap six record at the Owlerton circuit, which had seen him record an unbeaten three from three tally prior to that semi-final defeat, which makes him the dog to beat.

With a draw outside slower starting outsider Sporty Fortune, the selection should enjoy a clear run throughout, something that market rival Mill Bling Bling may find more difficult.

Kelly Macari's Juvenile runner-up has had a tough year, recording just his second win in ten starts in 2011 when winning the quickest of the two semi-finals, and while that will have done his confidence the world of good, he will need to be on his toes, drawn outside Frisby Fontenblu, who beat him in the first round, albeit the form was reversed last week.

With Mill Bling Blng's last six wins having been gained from the front, an early lead looks vital, but with his other neighbour Ballymac Xavi having also broken quickly in the semi-finals, that cannot be guaranteed.

Classy Tudor Prince clocked a fast time behind ante post favourite Boher Paddy prior to the start of the competition, but remains without a win in four starts at the track.

Local sprinter Highest Bid can make it six wins in ten starts over the CD by winning a competitive looking 280m contest at 20.00. Bidding for a fifth win over the trip since July, he was turned over by useful Tictac Gold, who made a winning local debut a fortnight ago, but with that rival potentially badly drawn as one of three wide runners, Barrie Draper's charge is taken to extract his revenge.

Elwick Chris, runner-up in last season's Steel City Cup in addition to winning the 2010 Laurels at Belle Vue, can take advantage of an ideal trap one draw to claim the 20:35 over 480m. Michael Walsh's three-year-old has posted a brace of good trials since his latest start late last month and can further enhance an already strong Sheffield record.

Farloe Hulk slightly disappointing behind Droopys Stan last week can turn around that form in the re-match at 20:15. Barrie Draper's runner had previously chased home kennelmate and Puppy Derby winner Eden Star in the first round of that event at Wimbledon, and with earlier winning CD form on his card looks more than worthy of another chance.

Doctor Robert an emphatic first round winner in the Steel City Cup can confirm that form by beating the competition's 2010 winner Mill Pinpoint in the 21:25. Diane Henry's well thought of three year old was winning for the second time in four starts over the 500m trip that night and if anything looks even better drawn this time in trap three.

Selections (in order of preference)
Highest Bid 20:00
Droopys Cristian 21:45
Farloe Hulk 20:15
Elwick Chris 20:35
Doctor Robert 21:25

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