What i do normally, i search for the domain ( like how you would normally register it) and place a backorder for it. I don't check the droplist for it. I think that way you can backorder it way before time.
Transcom DDS looks up at the Nominet max rate of 1000 per minute then registers in under 4 us, you can book online at transcom.net/drop-catching-service/ or buy - lease the software at dropcatchsoftware.uk