Arc: go boldly in for 16-1 Startrek.

Byline: Pricewise Peter Meldrum

ANTE-POST betting on greyhound competitions can be a precarious activity at the best of times. Betting on the early market for the Blue Square Arc, that gets under way at Swindon tonight however, carries an additional hazard.

The snowstorms currently sweeping the country mean that getting your fancy to the track on time for his/her qualifier is going to test the endurance of many a trainer and their hard working staff.

Ante-post markets are all in run or not and, while it may be unfortunate to back, say favourite, Shaneboy Luke and, be on a nonrunner, simply because road conditions prevented him getting to the track, this is a classic case of caveat emptor.

That, of course, is the pessimistic view, but the beauty of the modern era of internet-gambling on antepost markets is that it is not essential to find the winner to earn a profit, as trading can often come into play.

Presuming, as we must, that the track will present a level playing field, I will be backing Roswell Startrek, both for his heat and to win the competition.

Brickfield Class, one of the most prolific open race winners of recent times, in the final heat have to be respected.

However, Bob Gilling's dog has now reached the veteran stage and backing him at a best-priced 7-4 would make limited appeal.

Anzio can be a bit hit or miss at the start, but when he gets it right he can prove a handful.

Ideally suited by a midfield draw, the local hope makes some appeal at the 5-1 available.

Recommendations Ante-post Roswell Startrek 1pt 16-1 general Heats Roswell Startrek 8.30 1pt 4-1 Blue Square Grillagh Guru 9.00 1pt 6-1 general Blue Gent 9.15 1pt 4-1 Coral, Stan James Anzio 9.45 1pt 5-1 general

CAPTION(S):

Roswell Startrek can get his Arc bid off to a flying start at Swindon