If you took note of my final comment last week then you will hopefully have benefited from the 9/2 price that Contagion returned during the week.

Two wins now from three starts for a dog who I think has enough scope to be able to win in a grade higher – a similar price may also be expected on his reappearance.

Popalong Benji, who I also selected last week, was desperately unlucky to lose by just a head last Thursday. Having led, he was caught – literally – in the last stride.

Clearly he is good enough to win in his current grade and I would give him a couple of further runs to do so.

General Warhorse does not lose his puppy status until next month but already looks the type who will become a force to be reckoned with here.

Having had a couple of races over 380 metres, which on paper did not appear to suit him, he was subsequently switched to 540m.

This seems to have worked the oracle and his win time of 34.34 seconds on Friday evening looked a powerful performance.

Early days with this being only his seventh career race but his starting price of
5/4 favourite showed the respect given to him by the bookmakers.

Interesting days in top grade A1 over 380m, with several quality dogs competing to be the best around four bends.

Sparta Glee is the latest to take his place in the elite ranks with his win last Saturday night against some distinguished A1 company, which included Margan Sugar Pie and Griffins Gate.

Black Mix was also in the race having climbed up the grading scales relentlessly since May when she started at A6 level.

Her improvement has been of such good quality, the bookmakers could only offer odds of 2-1 about her chances in the A1 race at the
weekend.

Watch out for Lusha Beauty, who will be the next dog to join the top ranks after his A2 graded win on Friday.