I am seeing a domain that I really want that is about to be dropped (it has expired about a week ago). What service is the most reputable and the absolute best to register dropped domain names?

The domain is a .CA domain (Canada), if that makes a difference.

http://www.pool.com/ Would be my pick but if it is a good name using a few different ones wouldn’t hurt.

I suppose that using the service of the domain's current registrar (assuming they run this type of service) might, theoretically, increase the chances of snatching it.

That's where I went initially, but http://www.10dollar.ca does not, unfortunately, offer that service.

Doing a domain backorder service with most companies would work out, but its a crap shoot at the moment that its released for backorder then because its going to be based on what system responds the fastest. Check to see if the registry has a suggestion of companies to use for it. Im not sure on .CA domain names to be honest though with who would be best.