SlicktrackSandy

Increased his CMA by 2.81 this year, super enthusiastic personality, interacts well with fans especially youngsters, captains the side again in 2025, presents himself well in tv media interviews e.g. BSN et al, and now asked back for his fourth year such is his perceived value to the club. A very positive character is Paco whose influence is bound to rub off on younger riders. If Paco is an example of an overrated rider by some, then others may say we need more Pacos in the sport.

Yes I think it's fair to say that USA candidates are out for next season at least. Noticed some young new Australian prospects being signed up already in the Championship. Have been keeping an eye on Michael West for a bit and he is another who may have been on the radar for some and don't think he has a spot yet ( assuming he wants one ).

If there had been a suitable #1 with the appropriate CMA and affordability am pretty sure we would have had him. To say that candidates are thin on the ground appears to be an understatement. Even early on it did look like that was going to be the case and a change in strategy may be necessary in 2025. The way it seems at present it looks like Paco and 8.44 for two "strong" reserves as yet of unknown origin ? ( A.N. Other would not be a good look on a race suit ! ) 😎

This "hunch" has been a bit too opaque. Am way off on a tangent here and thinking maybe of an "import" who may need a work permit. In the past when there seems to be a delay in announcing when most others are, it can sometimes indicate that there is some kind of officialdom to overcome. Only a guess of course just like everyone else.

NDL indeed and outscored all the Lion Cubs by some margin in September if memory serves me.

Absolutely. Thinking more of elsewhere ? and elsewho ? Only a hunch.

Two words and two question marks. Work permit (s) ??

Would go along with that. Discount him at your peril as he had and still is improving with more track time in 2024. 2025 could well see someone get the benefit.

Seemed to work with Jye Etheridge ? 😎

Could it be another 5.00 plus Connor Coles ? That would fit inside 8.44.

Hmmm - A bit off piste but it just might work. All credit to them for trying something different.

Could have been a DJT impression ? 😎

8.44 left for #6 & #7 should be enough to allow a couple of worthy additions to the lower end. These could well end up being crucial in the make up of a "more balanced" side that some folks have been calling for. Judgement time will be October 2025 ?

However it ends up it's a wee bit less than expectations so far - although can see Victor exceeding his 5.00. The others are possibly on the money where they are at present.

It must have been the Pick N Mix that clinched it ! 😎