Does better than start bolting the grub (5)

I believe the answer is:

beats

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'does better' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to competing as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'start bolting the grub' is the wordplay.
'start' suggests taking the first letters.
'the grub' becomes 'eats' ('eats' can be a synonym of 'grub').
The first letter of 'bolting' is 'b'.
'b'+'eats'='BEATS'

'than' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beats that I've seen before include "Buffets" , "Tans" , "Regular routes for policemen" , "Rhythms" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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