It’s tough at the top, as they say, and this certainly applies here in our top grade races.

At Crayford, we have eight different levels of grade over both our 380 and 540m distances and the facts of life are that the vast majority of greyhounds are simply not capable of doing the fastest times required to reach and compete at the top grade.

As such, not only are our best dogs admired for their ability but the top grade is the toughest to win in.

Over our six-bend 540m, Stunning Harvey, trained by Julie Luckhurst, has been stamping his authority on things of late having won his last two starts. This distance does not inconvenience him as he has also won a top-grade race recently over 714m.

His latest win came after he completely missed his break when the traps opened but such is his strength, he managed to work his way through the field from fifth to get up and win by no less than four-and-a-half lengths.

He looks like being the dog they all have to beat over the coming weeks.

Around four bends and 380m, there is always more of a shift in power, with dogs often turning form on one another.

Over this trip, it is all about early pace away from the traps and more often than not, if you make a mistake when the traps open, then your chance will have gone.

The latest winner in top grade A1 was Springwood Ali, who romped home at 5-1 proving that if you trap out quickly, a win is possible – irrespective of odds.

The dog, trained by Barry O’Sullivan, is equally adept over 540m where he has won plenty of S1 races.

In addition to these two dogs, I would like you to also note Backdoor Larry and Tinas Junior – both over 380m – and Aces High and Five Card Draw over 540m. These are the hot dogs to follow.

Just a timely reminder that if you are looking to raise funds for your club or charity, then our Moneyspinner event may well be of interest.

We run a couple of these each month during a Friday evening race meeting and full details can be viewed at www.crayford.com

You and you members get a fun night out and the opportunity to also raise up to £250 for your concern with the 50 free entry tickets we issue when you register.