There is a saying in greyhound racing that luck is temporary and class is permanent.

Having watched races for the last 50 years, there has never been a truer phrase.

The appeal of greyhound racing is the lack of human involvement once the traps open. Having said that, dogs need a little luck and many ruin their chances by putting themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

However, class will prevail across a period of time.

I have been impressed with the quality of our best dogs. Not just their ability but the competitiveness of the races, so it’s time to give you some information on just who is the best in the current crop.

Arguably the best over 380m is Ryves Rock, who has won six of his last 12 races in grade A1 around four bends.

He is not the fastest away but he more than makes up for it in his strength in running, which has earned him that 50% above average strike rate.

Like all good dogs, he looks for running space. He is a hard act to beat and will be a force during summer.

Others I follow over this distance are Indian Alfie and Sharons Delight. Alfie loves trap one and if he gets around the first two bends in front, he is a hard dog to peg back.

In contrast, Sharons Delight runs from wide traps five or six, is a fast starter when he gets it right and has won top grade races at odds as big as 10-1.

Those prices are a reflection of the local bookmakers probably taking the view he is, perhaps, just a little short of top class and the dog does find it difficult to get home over the last 60m. He can, however, build up a sufficient lead.

Over 540m, my dog to beat is Pony Bride, who not only wins top grade S1 but also races over longer distances here. Any greyhound that makes the final of the £15,000 Ladbrokes Golden Jacket, as he did last February, demands respect.

He finished third in that race at 20-1 but expect short odds in graded races.