dontforgetthefueltapsbruv

8.25 am and the sun is out with the temp at a balmy 34.

Presumably the real threat is a deep frost overnight. Fingers crossed.

Genuine question and not just to wind things up - is r/r an option when the rider hasnt ridden? Would it need a 'special dispensation' ? I believe it would and should be granted (if needed)

I picked mine up from local Sainsburys where there will usually be 3 or 4 on the shelf but this week there was 20 and they have now all gone. Had I have missed out I would have picked 1 up at Foxhall on Good Friday.

I bunked school the one and only time that day to see his first match.

Well done Jarek (my tip for champ) Can we still claim this as a Witches 1- 2? Not a Pedersen fan but you have to respect a performance where he looked like a rolling roadblock at times but still finishes on the rostrum.

Now it starts to feel like the season is here! Still 8 days to wait for us Witches to see home action but at least now there something to fill the time other than Batchelargate!

Shouldnt this post be in the general discussions 'guilty pleasures' thread? (apologies in advance TWK - I couldnt resist the easy joke!)

A comfotable Witches win for me - 53-39ish. That said you never know with a season opener!

Lindgren Hampel Jonsson Zagar

What a bummer! Theres always next week! Good luck.

How did it go?Did you have a constructive 'meeting' with the Robins management?

If it means another subscription with BT then I wont be paying up and will just have to miss out.

I give up - which one?!!!!

A victim of his rolling average perhaps. Averaged under 5 on his return(understandably) yet has 5.99 against his name. It is constantly said the key is to find improvers and whilst Tay is more than capable he is at this point it seems seen as a risk. And yes he is a Boro asset.

Horses are very versatile nowadays!!

Well done to your new promotion securing Scotty for your opening night. Forward thinking and real promotion for the event. A refreshing change.

Tend to agree although plenty of deals were already agreed before the change was announced.

Its great to see yet another British youngster take the step up. Hopefully 'the class of 2013' will be a watershed in the hoped for revival as a world force.

No change of tack just an expansion. The whole debate doesnt have to be in one post.

It makes a difference to the rider. Would it be right for 2 riders on the same pay scale and for 1 to score more yet get paid less? Just because their pay is their business doesnt mean it isnt a valid discussion point particularly when it could impact the team performance which is every fans business.

The trouble there is it throws up a rider scoring more points but getting paid fir less. A pair with 3 rides together get 3 drawn heats with the same rider 2ndeach time. In the heats they are apart rider 1 is last so scores 6 and is paid for 4.5. Rider 2 picks up a 2nd scores 5 and is paid for 6.5.

I think this may be the year that Hampel comes out on top. There is bound to be a surprise or 2 - I'll go with Ward to finish outside the top 8!!

Theres doom and gloom and then theres realism.In this case Id say it closer to realism so a valid point to question. All fans of all clubs wish him well and hope to see him fit to start the season Im sure.

Think yourselves lucky - Ipswich have a blank date on the 21st as we appear unable to secure any opposition!! First meeting is now Good Friday for us!