The ARC Classic gets underway at Sunderland this evening with six first round heats.  The category one event with a winners prize of £12,500 was won in 2022 by the Angela Harrison trained Move Over Cha.  Tom Heilbron’s superstar Links Maverick dominates this years ante post betting and success in the competition would almost certainly guarantee him the title of Greyhound Of The Year 2023.  There are dangers however and below Mark Pierrepont guides you through the card –

John Beasley & Tom Heilbron with Links Maverick who will be looking to add yet more category one success to his cv

HEAT 1 – SWIFT ICONIC looks plotted up against the rail for John Mullins and though he’ll be priced short enough in the betting he is sure to take some amount of beating.  Carl Jackson’s Watchall Sid is a pacey sort and won well here last time out despite not flying the lid.  With a break he’s sure to go close and would most definitely rate as value against the selection for those looking for something with a bit more juice in the price.

HEAT 2 – Tom Heilbron can land the second heat with his MAGICAL RUBBLE fancied to take full advantage of a nice looking draw.  Rubble can lead all the way but as usual kennel mate Links Dasher will stick to his task throughout and can once again claim what is becoming a familiar runners up position.

HEAT 3 – Harry Burton’s PAISLEY PEARL hasn’t been seen in competitive action since being well beaten at this venue back in April but her comeback trials have been promising to say the least.  Pearl will undoubtedly improve for the run but she might well just be forward enough to take what is a competitive affair should she find a start.  Michael Hurst’s Droopys Soldier stays on well and if he can stay clear of trouble to halfway can come through late to claim second.

HEAT 4 – Tom Heilbron’s LINKS MAVERICK takes no picking at all and though he will prove unbackable to all bar those with the deepest of pockets he looks unopposable.  The ante post favourite can utilise his searing early pace to soon bound clear and showcase exactly why he’s priced at no bigger than 4/5 outright.

HEAT 5 – Jill Sutherst’s British Bred star WITTON VENUS who set a new track record here earlier in the year will likely need a race or two to get back to peak form but she’s a talented lady of that there is no doubt and might just be forward enough to land what is an admittedly tough looking race on what is her first competitive start since April.

HEAT 6 – Craig Marston’s WHISKY CHAMP landed a small final at Nottingham last time out.  Having shown super early pace around the tough galloping circuit Marston’s charge headed here to Sunderland for a pre competition trial.  A super run of 2685 first time around here and running from a nice make up against the rail will see him sent off short odds but anything like a break and Champ can make it five wins in a row.

Classic ante post betting guide (correct as at 940pm 2nd November courtesy of www.oddschecker.co.uk)