szkocjasid

I don't expect r/r to cover Dan adequately, although maybe wouldn't be as bad at home, but there could be times when appropriate guests can't be sourced, but what I definitely can't imagine is Monarchs finding a rider of Champ heat leader status, willing to cover Dan for a month or two.

The forecast I see, shows it'd be dry from 2pm onwards, so did they call this one off too early? Like has been suggested, probably a blessing in disguise for Berwick.

It's hard to see where Northampton go from here, while they had injuries, their 2 guests scored well & Thomsen was able to take 3 of Harrison's rides, so you could argue that made them stronger. I didn't think they were as weak as Birmingham & Oxford, but the last few matches will be a concern.

That's when he's the one who gets the most criticism of his signing for years now.

Still feel the same after last night?

It definitely could have been written out better & less confusing, they probably didn't need to use so many words. So I guess I'd say, once I learnt the rules, it's clear & not confusing for team planning. But if you're learning the rules, I'll concede it's very confusing.

He's hardly "picking & choosing" his meetings, as he's not ridden since his injury.

Edinburgh probably happy to put the date back with Dan T injured. Tough tie for Oxford, but a fully fit Riss being available, would make a big difference.

So fixtures wise, Edinburgh vs Poole & Redcar vs Berwick works best. Maybe a behind closed doors "draw" could sort this. When fans moan about lack of transparency, BSPL can say "you didn't like our last public draw"

Hausl is definitely one for the future, he has potential, the question is how long would Glasgow keep a 5 point assessed, riding to a 3 point average? For me Lambert is better now, Hausl may be come the end of the season! As long as he's on his 5 point average, I'd give him time, but when it's about to drop - decision time. Wouldn't necessarily be Lambert, Glasgow may look for a new 5 point foreigner is this one doesn't work? Cliff at Edinburgh was a lot safer in his job, as they didn't have much options to replace him, Hausl doesn't have that advantage.

I wouldn't say they are written poorly at all, in fact it's very clear, riders use their most recent average. Jeppesen has a 2026 Champ ave, but doesn't have a 2026 Prem ave, so they use his Champ ave converted. I think this rule is stupid, but also very clear. EDIT the rules are written out in a more confusing manner than I realised. But once you know the rules, it's easy to understand.

Lambert averaging 1.6 more than Hausl this year, even taking into account he'd no longer be at reserve, that still strengthens the team.

I think it's more than an option, I think it's very likely guests & r/r will be used to cover Dan. How many injured heat leaders have been replaced in recent years, there was Morris replacing Cook after his ban & Klindt for Wright this year? There's not normally spare heat leaders without team spots.

I would say Morris, Howarth & Kemp x 2 as r/r is a better option than Sedgmen. They could always give Sedgmen some guest bookings if it's on a track he excels at though? Jeppesen another option of a Champ guest if every Prem team is racing on a particular day. That's the advantage of not signing a replacement, being able to pick & choose depending on opponents / if it's a home or away fixture.

Kemp would be a brilliant signing, would change the team dynamic greatly.

Yeah, they could've done with using their spare points somewhere.

A fully fit Dan Gilkes would be a good signing, but a just back from injury, hasn't ridden for a year Dan Gilkes? I'm not sure that strengthens them at all?

Fancy Poole to win this one, Scott vs Rushen could be interesting. I'll say Poole win, but Redcar reach 40.

Which no doubt will be frustrating to Tigers fans.

If that's the case, I wouldn't feel the need to look elsewhere - yet. Bowes hasn't started the season well, but as long as his rolling ave remains above 5, they have more options to replace him. But as his average won't change till June at the earliest, gives him time to find form. When they had 8 riders for 7 team places, that time wasn't available, if Poole didn't bring Gilkes back in, someone else probably would.

Can't believe people are still talking about Gilkes replacing Newman, Bowes is the obvious rider to drop if they want Gilkes back.

To be fair to Glasgow, they picked 2 reserves who should improve from last season. Hodder dropping from the harder number 6 to the easier number 7 spot, Hagon dropping from second string to reserve. Not the strongest reserves on paper, but both capable.

Agree with everything you've said 👍

Tbh their 2026 averages aren't far below their rolling aves, especially Lambert. It's Mountain that's performing poorest compared to his 2025 form. Most of the team are doing what's expected of them, I wouldn't say they are particularly underperforming, they're just a weak team. When it comes to MPT, they put a 6 point rider at number 5, what are fans expecting from him?

Depends on the riders tbh, here it's a case of a Champ heat leader (Castagna) losing away from home to a Champ heat leader (Edwards). If clubs wanted to sign Jeppesen, should've done it before his average changed in May. Surprised no clubs went for him tbh.