coldace

I think handicap racing at this level at the NSS would be very entertaining. My view is that it works well at big tracks but not so much at the smaller ones. I watched racing at Oxford in the early '60's when the 'big five' were 20 yards back and if the reserve was an experienced rider, like Jackie Biggs for example, it was really hard for Fundin, More etc. to get past. Never saw it at Belle Vue in those days but would imagine watching Craven pick his way through would have been a treat. In the end it was the pressure from the 'big five' that got it scrapped. Given the different levels now in the NL, I think it would be worth trying.

No, not just because. There is reason to believe that he could adapt to the Belle Vue track and do well. His ability to do better on the small tracks would be a welcome bonus. Over the past few years that has been our weakness. Berge, Etheridge, Drodz all could score well at home but were really a liabilty away. It's obvious that we will need a more solid team this year having unfortunately lost Max Fricke and Kenny Bjerre at the top. Also, nice to see new faces.

Might be nice to try Pickering. By all accounts up and coming with a nice style. Also, being used to small-track Edinburgh may do better away than Jye. I wouldn't be disappointed with Jye as he'll score well at home.

Rode well that night. Certainly entertaining as I remember. I think he should be ok at home and will put himself about, no doubt.

I agree largely but feel that Kurz is at the stage of development where this is where he kick's on. Remember Fricke was similarly inconsistent and unconvincing in 2017 but last year kicked on to be a proper number one. Some of the improvement was down to the consistently good state of the track. He never misses an opportunity to praise the NSS and how much he likes riding it. From watching Kurtz on televised meetings at Poole, he looked uncomfortable on that frankly dreadful track. We will see!

As long as they don't 'poach' Kenneth Bjerre I really don't care. We may need him ourselves!

My view on what Mark Lemon said about Bjerre was that he couldn't commit to the start of the season. It may be possible that he is available later in the season. Just a thought, but if Kildermand doesn't work out or intends not to stay all season, then maybe Bjerre replaces him later. Who knows? With Kurtz, I think he is at a similar stage of development as Fricke was 2017 and see know reason why he can't make the same progress as Max has. He'll certainly have a consistently good track to do it on. I'm looking forward to watching him.

What happened to the talk about Fredrick Jacobsen coming in on a low average at reserve? Has that now changed?

I think you could be right. You could say that Kurtz is at about the level Fricke was a couple of years ago and he has progressed during his time at the NSS and with Lemon. Kurtz could do the same and maybe Holder although he seems to have an 'attitude' problem.

I'd settle for this team if no Fricke and Bjerre. Would take Wright over Worrall as I feel he may well kick on a bit more next season and rides the outside line more. Really going to miss seeing Max reel them in.

Yes, I think you are right however next season may be slightly better for him. He should be able to get around Peterborough, Swindon, King's Lynn and Sheffield. But who knows. I'd rather have Rohan Tungate but maybe too high an average.

I think the absence of a big hitter at number 1 is risky and can see us losing matches because of Ht's 13 and 15. Is it definitely the case that Fricke and Bjerre are giving the UK a miss in 2020? On the options listed by Phil, I'd try for Tungate rather than an aging Hans Andersen. Watching Rohan work his way to the front was enjoyable.

Under the circumstances, I think I'd rather be Peterborough 2019 than Workington 2018! At least we get to see decent racing each week and if Mark can uncover more Jaimon Lidsey's, the joy of watching someone improve. I'm hoping (and presuming) that we have the Colts to watch next year as an added bonus. Any idea on this Phil?

Very well said.

If no Bjerre, a big blow but maybe go for Tungate and spend extra points on a second strong reserve. At least Rohan would be ok at home.

Wouldn't be a bad team in this league and as long as Batch continues as he did in 2019 we may be stronger away. Jakobsen would be the key, hope he is committed to a season, didn't last long at Poole. I'd take a punt on Anders Rowe as a 3 pointer if Swindon would cooperate. This lad looks promising and rides NSS well.

Has Freddie Jakobsen ridden in the PL? He rode in the opening meeting at the NSS in 2018 an was impressive. Did he ride for Poole anyone know?

Right, just got the email. What a pain!

Where did you see this? Nothing on any of the normal sites, please share your source?

Monday the Colts are at home to Mildenhall. If you go I'd be interested in your impression. Should be a good match, hasn't been any bad ones yet.

Just a thought. Have you tried going to a Colts match? They are really good value at £10 and the racing is probably better than seen during most TV matches. Also, watch the 15 year olds progress is heartening. I'd recommend going to the play-offs this year as the crowds are likely to be quite decent. Hope to see you there!

R/R for Fricke would be risky I think as apart from Bjerre we are inconsistent. I'd go for King as he could get a couple of wins especially if he gates.

Would Auty's average fit to replace NBJ?

Agree with you, the last match with Kent was really good and better than many of the televised matches seen this year. Hope we can get a big crowd now the school holidays are here.

I'm beginning to think that the best way forward for us is to get riders who are strong at the NSS. We don't do very well away and there are probably few riders available who will allow us to do so. This being the case, we have little chance of a two-leg win in the play-offs. If. however, we can get a big score at home then possibly we can defend it during the away leg. How about Bellago in plus a reserve who can score big at home?? I know this means that we have to replace one of the top five, but maybe it's time to do so.