The Superbike and Senior TT winner has to start as favourite on the Hawk Racing BMW, even if Guy Martin does turn up for the Isle of Man Steam Packet-sponsored four-day meeting.

Even if Dunlop rides his own Superstock-spec machine, he will take some beating round the 4.25-mile Billown Course.

Dean Harrison will be a good bet for second in the main championship race on the Silicone Engineering Kawasaki, with Martin, local man Dan Kneen and Ivan Lintin also in the mix.

Tyco BMW ace Martin has not turned a wheel in anger on a racing bike since his Ulster Grand Prix smash last August, so it is a big ask for him to be on top pace next week.

Mar-Train Yamaha’s Dan Kneen is also lacking match practice after suffering arm and hand fractures in a mountain bike fall. He has not raced since the early-season Northern Ireland events, but doubtless he should soon get back up to speed, like Guy, and has to be a podium likely.

Unfortunately, it looks as though William Dunlop will be a non-starter as his partner is expected to give birth to their first child within the next week or so.

William was on great form in his return to the course recently when he scored an impressive double.

If he does appear, mark him down as a likely favourite for the 600cc events and a possible top-three on the big bike.

Others not far away will be James Cowton, Steve Mercer and Dan’s younger brother Ryan Kneen. Conor Cummins is not riding this year’s event.

Lintin, Cowton and Dan Kneen will be ones to watch in the 600cc events, but if William Dunlop is a non-starter brother Michael will be favourite for these too. Cowton and Lintin will get better opportunities in the 650/250 twin races.

The sidecar entry is headed by Ben and Tom Birchall, Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle, John Holden/Andy Winkle and Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance.

Reeves won last year with stand-in passenger Mark Wilkes, but will be keen to defend the driver’s title.

Molyneux and Sayle are sticking with the Honda power unit for this event, despite a disastrous TT, but will soon switch to Yamaha.

lPractising starts on Monday at 6.20pm and continues the following evening with further qualifying between 6.15 and 7.50 prior to the opening 600/1000 and 125/400/450cc solo races.