The opening heats of the Betfred Eclipse get underway at Nottingham on Friday where Exocet and Jaytee Lightning head the latest betting odds for the Category One contest which is worth £8000 for the winner.

Exocet will be looking to bounce back after a surprise first round exit of the Coral Olympic at Hove. Connections have therefore now decided to aim their runner at the Colwick Park competition in November following their dog’s elimination in Brighton.

Chris Allsopp’s runner tasted success last month as the Kent Derby winner at Sittingbourne. That was over 480m but he finished the race strongly and Betfair pundits believe he should also enjoy the step up to 500m at Nottingham.

Opposition to Exocet include Jaytee Lightning who will be contesting the Olympic final on Thursday evening. As long as he comes out of the Hove race well, he is expected to stay in the competition for the opening round heats.

Defending champion, Sawpit Sensation, is back looking to defend his crown in the Eclipse. He still holds the track record at Nottingham and is a course specialist.

All England Cup winner, Calzaghe Davy, will also take his chance in the field this year. Ted Soppitt’s dog showed exceptional early pace in the Newcastle event last month and battled well in the closing stages of his races to win the prize.

According to Betfair.com, the first three from each heat on Friday will qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled to take place a week later. The first two from the semis will then make it into the final on Wednesday November 20.

The strongest heat on Friday includes Exocet, Sawpit Sensation, and Henlow Maiden Derby winner Savana Nijinsky as they all look to make it into the next stage.

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