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Yeah, with Wright getting an extra ride, strengthens them for sure.

Sounds very odd, if Tungate / Clouting spot had been left blank 3 times, then Oxford could've used Nicholls in white with Boughen in yellow, or Nicholls in white / yellow with Riss in white / yellow. Why have a 3 rider race?

Lynn's reserves should outside Sheffield's imo, so that should help Stars at least get close to 40

I guess it helps their confidence to blame their equipment rather than admit they were under par? Means they can go to the next track & expect a big score because they believe they weren't at fault for a low score?

Cook is Birmingham's second best rider on 2024 figures now Nicholls has gone.

I wouldn't be surprised to see his 4 heats resulting in 3 5-1s & a 4-2 to Glasgow.

Putting Etheridge at 5 to me looks a case of damage limitations, aiming to score points in other races, to score as many as possible. I don't think it will work though, to get the bonus point they need Schlein scoring well at 5 & Etheridge scoring well at 3. As it is I can see Schlein picking up an extra point, but Etheridge dropping 2? I would use this tactic if I thought I would struggle for 30 points & want to avoid embarrassment, rather than going for a narrow loss & the bonus point. But if anything, it keeps things interesting & I'll give them credit for thinking outside of the box.

That confuses me even more: 1) I can't believe they only gave Klindt 4 matches 2) I can't believe they didn't think to sign Riss for Kerr & if after 5 weeks Klindt hasn't picked up his scoring then drop him 3) I can't believe with 7.44 available to replace Klindt, Riss is the best they can come up with 4) I can believe, but kinda disappointed the BSPL / SCB allowed Oxford to drop Klindt because they'd prefer to use guests

As Riss could replace Kerr, meaning Oxford would no longer need a guest, I would support a ruling where Oxford were not allowed to drop Klindt & still use a guest for Kerr.

That's the problem with many speedway promoters / fans etc. They act like if you are weakened by injury that's a disaster & shouldn't be allowed. To me that should be expected & accepted.

Pre-season I thought it was odd they'd choose Heeps when they were over a point below the limit. Out a 6.00 rider in with Jenkins & that's a solid middle order pairing. Asking Jenkins to be the "3rd heat leader" is a tough job.

I thought Oxford would do well, but be prone to the odd howler away, due to the inexperience of their bottom end. For Plymouth everyone looked at their top end & couldn't see where the race winners would come from, that's the reason why they were predicted bottom. I thought Oxford had the best 2.00 riders in the league, so would end up with 2 x 4.00 reserves. Couldn't see as much improvement from other teams reserves. I have to ask who is the "top rider in the league" and who is the "good heat leader" as Oxford arguably have the strongest top 2 in the league, think you've sold them short on that point. I hope Plymouth can do well at home & not do "a Birmingham" by throwing away decent away performances by losing at home.

Having seen a pic on fb, not the greatest quality granted, Plymouth were robbed of a "draw". Why would the ref need to look at the replays anyway, don't they use transponders now?

I think it's because Leicester were weakened last year when Morris got banned & they had to use r/r. Then at the AGM the other promoters probably thought "that could happen to me" so they voted for more guests allowed.

Klindt isn't the answer to turning Birmingham into a winning team, but he has the ability to score more points than Lampart, so any improvement is worth doing. I'd keep Milk, as he may start scoring well at reserve. If Birmingham weren't so bad, I'd give Lampart longer to see if he can improve, but Brummies have done so poorly they need to be ruthless.

Both teams are not strong at reserve, but someone has to win that battle. Even if that's Redcar, still think Comets top 5 will steer them to victory.

Scunthorpe could well win this one. Certainly got the bonus point sewn up imo.

I wasn't surprised by Oxford's heavy away loss at Poole, but expected then to be fine at home. Great effort by Plymouth, who won't be as bad as many think they are.

I've seen quite a few comments on fb especially, suggesting that Riss for Klindt is part of a plan to replace Kerr with a stronger rider, but that doesn't make any difference. Oxford are now on 37.88, they can replace Kerr (5.32) with the spare 2.12, so 7.44 available for a replacement. If Riss replaced Kerr instead of Klindt, the team would average 39.24, so they'd have an extra 0.76 to replace Klindt (6.68) which is 7.44!

Except knocking Edinburgh out of the BSN leaves him with 2 less fixtures, hitting his wage packet?

Nah, a 28 day replacement does count for averages, Nicholls will get a new average in May. Last year he only guested for Wolves, so didn't affect his average.

He would be, but might not always be available.

Nathan's average is due to go to 3.41 from May 1st. One BSN match from 2024, his 15 league matches from 2023 & his last 4 league matches from 2022. I don't think there's any riders just above 3.00 so that increase means little. Jack Smith looks the best option to me for a temporary replacement.

If Sedgemen helps Berwick win at Glasgow, does that help or hinder Monarchs chances of qualifying?

Really tough match to call. Oxford look to have better all round strength, but Ipswich look amazing at 1,5&7. Narrow win for Ipswich for me, can't see Oxford having an 8 point lead ahead of heats 13&15.