Following their impressive performance in last year's Bet365 Hunt Cup Final, the runner-up and third-place finisher are gearing up for another shot at the title.
Despite Droopys Clue being the favorite among many punters, it was his formidable rival Havana Top Note who stole the show in Friday night's semi-final.
Last year's third-place finisher, who went on to clinch victory in the sponsor's Challenge Cup, surged into an early lead while the odds-on favorite found himself boxed in along the rail. Havana Top Note, the track record holder, faced no significant challenge as he crossed the finish line in a swift 39.43 seconds, slashing 15 ticks off the track record.
Meanwhile, kennelmate King Ezra, who finished second to Havana Lover in last year's edition, had a comfortable qualifier, never facing any real threat and clocking in at 39.71 seconds.
Despite Fifty Nine boasting winning form over the course and distance with a time of 39.66 seconds, recent performances have suggested a decline in form. However, he managed to secure victory in 40.04 seconds in the semi-final, albeit without much pressure.
The final draw presents an intriguing scenario, particularly with likely favorite Havana Top Note drawing the worst position among the five railers. Notably, he has struggled in races from traps 4/5, being defeated in all three previous outings from those positions.