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Arc betting: Blonde Jeannie in with every chance of romping home

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Jonathan Hobbs gives us his picks ahead of the weekend's racing

It promises to be a fantastic few days.

Saturday sees not just the final of the Golden Jacket at Crayford, but the return to racing of the mighty Barnfield On Air, the multiple track record-holder coming back after winter rest with a race at Monmore as he begins the countdown to a crack at the three Derbys.

Then, on Tuesday, it's the return to the Sky screens of live greyhound racing after a fortnight's break, with the final of the Arc plus seven strong supporting races. And the £13,000 final really does keep up the tradition of recent years, in that for punters it really presents a conundrum.

Darrell Williams will guide you through the races, including the final, next week. That gives me time to work out just what will happen! Although I would say that had Blonde Jeannie drawn trap one she would have been a confident selection.

I thought John Mullins' bitch was awesome on Thursday. In fact, it could just have been one of her best performances ever, especially in the context of the event. Up against the early pace of Cobra Striking and Mustang Garcia, it looked tough on paper - but she led!

Okay, it was only by a neck or so, but Mark Currell's bitch was definitely in front as they swung round the first bend. And relishing the battle, she was always holding the edge. It oozed class, the perfect mix of pace and power, not bad for a bitch in a man's world. Just two bitches have won the Arc in the last 15 years, but Blonde Jeannie must have a great chance of reversing the trend.

You can only hope for a clear round for both the speedsters inside, Blonde Jeannie and Milldean Flash. And if that happens it should be some race, although don't discount Centaur Decree who looks to be coming back to something like his precocious best.

Elsewhere, I will be keen to see how SWIFT MESSENGER fares in her
semi-final of the Queen Mother Cup at Sheffield. Michael Harris's bitch did us a favour in her heat, having run on well at Wimbledon on Springbok night. And in such a rich vein of form, don't be surprised if she follows up in Tuesday's next stage.

Another 'ran well in defeat' dog from Wimbledon was Mark Grady's YAHOO
COMMANDER and he should benefit from his heat run when he goes in his semi of the Golden Crest at Poole on Tuesday. He could go on to land the competition.