Heat 8 started with four riders.

Another big one to start off the season, we will be there to watch Troy and Tate do the business!

Doesn't apply to riders with assessed averages

I think Ipswich have that, Oxford don't or they would have built a better team and r/r would be cheaper so another reason not to use a guest.

Belle Vue always take a number 8 if we have to run R/R and there’s plenty of other times we have a Colt along for the ride, usually spannering for an Ace. We did propose several season ago that number 8’s should be standard at all meeting but it was knocked back due to the fact that many top flight clubs don’t engage with the junior process.  A number 8 at the meeting link I posted earlier would have meant heat eight going ahead with the full four riders instead of just the three as was the case.

You’re basing that on Ipswich getting to September injury free. Realistically what are the chances of that? Every single Ipswich rider had a spell on the sidelines injured last year, every one of them. To go from that, to not have one missing would be some turnaround. That’s why I’d never touch pre-season odds on any team. If you’re gonna have a friendly flutter, do it on a match by match basis.