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Arc Betting: Ante-post punts show good form

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Darrell Williams updates the latest happenings in the Arc and Golden Jacket betting

Hotdog Jack didn't let us down in the Springbok final on Tuesday to follow in the success of Blonde Jeannie (Oaks) and Ballymac Under (Birmingham Cup) also recent headline ante-post winning selections for this column.

Things didn't go too badly at Walthamstow in the Arc either with my number one choice Mustang Garcia slashed from double-figure odds to become outright favourite after clocking the fastest time, a decent 28.49 (calculated) in the first round. Although Ronnies Hustle was eliminated, both Blonde Jeannie and Black Ice Boss ensure we have plenty to look forward to in Saturday's quarter-finals.

Mustang Garcia has a potentially tough trap five draw in the 9.35 race, particularly with speedy Milldean Buster, also impressive on the clock the other night, on his immediate inside, but I'd be disappointed if the selection doesn't at least qualify. His quickest of the round time was no surprise as his record also boasts any number of rapid times.

Blonde Jeannie showed excellent track skills in winning her heat and she remains one to keep on your side, despite being drawn in by far the hardest heat at the weekend. The bitch showed a good combination of guts, determination and intelligent tracking and if forced to play in her race at 9.07 she would have to get my vote. I'd also take a saver on Centaur Decree, however, who looks exceptionally well drawn on the outside of rails heading Ronnies Earner and ante-post hope Black Ice Boss, who a touch disappointingly couldn't hold on from long shot Swhimasdylan on Tuesday and now faces a stern test to qualify.

One dog I will be backing in the second round is Milldean Flash, who took full advantage of an early lead the other day, and can capitalise on a rare trap one berth in the 8.11 race. Having checked his record, the inside box offers few concerns and Seamus Cahill's regular 28.50 clocker should enjoy a clear route to success. The other quarter-final at 8.39 looks up for grabs, with Arthurs Joy getting my vote after a good run behind Milldean Flash and with speedy railer Treacle Rose drawn on his left, he should gain an untroubled run.

I sat out of the Golden Jacket ante-post before the first round, and have to be pleased I did after favourite Droopys Nelson, who looked a potential play, made a shock early exit. The Jacket can be a tough race to punt on, with some dogs failing to reproduce their best form at Crayford, and with just two qualifying from each semi-final on Saturday morning there's plenty of room for further surprises, especially with the three market leaders all drawn in the same heat. Of those, I'd favour Big Brett Coal and Barnfield Brooke to qualify, but from an outright view there has to be some value in digging deeper down the list and I suggest a small interest on Butterbridge Ali and Julies Newbie. The former will have to reverse heat form with Rough Rose, but Monday was his first look at the track so that is far from impossible while Julies Newbie, looked a shade unlucky in her heat, and appears well treated. She should qualify from the third semi along with Shelbourne Merc.