Fourentee

That’s a wealth of detail I wasn’t expecting! Thanks so much.

As a postscript to this opinion on Zach Cook, I’d be interested in the views of any Poole supporters who happen to dip into this thread. Thanks in advance.

Much the same as after the Masters testimonial, really. Neat, tidy, seems confident on the Monmore track. Early days, of course.

I certainly wouldn't say "can't"; he's been perfectly competent at Monmore in his days as a Wolf and occasionally exciting, too. But it's fair to say I would never categorise him as a track specialist!

I take the point in general, but Lynn didn't improve in the final five races, Palm Toft did! He and Jakobsen took seven of the 10 rides and scored all bar one of the points. Bit puzzled by Lynn, to be honest. Klindt looked blindingly quick in his second ride, but nowhere in the other two. Palm Toft picked up and should be a solid scorer; Jakobsen is clearly a gem and Edwards, after a strong end to last season and a fine opening night at Redcar, looks like a rider on the up. Jorgensen should be OK and I really rate Pickering, who gives his absolute all but just doesn't get Monmore. That just leaves Kasprzak, who has always struck me as a "how goes the first ride, goes the night" kind of confidence rider. He was, and it genuinely pains me to say this, woeful on Monday. Such a shame to see in a rider of his pedigree. At this stage of his career no-one expects the form of his world No.2 days, but I hope he can rediscover some semblance of his ability. All that being said, I agree that as a team they did look rusty. I would expect them both to improve and to win the return match.

FWIW, Cook impressed me. Neat, tidy, confident and on the pace. I know it was a testimonial meeting, and so lacking the intensity of a league match, but that was a strong field with competitive action. We've all seen riders completely at sea early in their Monmore acquaintance, and this year's pre-season practice was rained off too. I thought he did well.

Got 21pts there in '06 days after neck damage sustained on his children's trampoline...

Presumably the concern would be third-tier racing rather than second. FWIW I think NDL is the right level (for now) to establish a base and build on it and I echo your comments on both the competitive nature of the side and the racers within it. The track looks superb and I think the huge bends (so big they almost have their own run-off areas!) will encourage the youngsters to wind it on. Really looking forward to the first meeting.

Lion conservation is a good thing (sorry, couldn't resist!)...

Sheffield look to carry extra consistency after their changes and, while I would be more than happy to be proved wrong, I see the Tigers progressing comfortably. Was talking to a friend last week, before the rain-off and the Ipswich/Belle Vue first leg and both of us would far rather have faced the Witches, despite them winning twice at Monmore this season.

And joined this evening by 2018 Comets teammate (admittedly not Cumbrian...)!

FWIW Nic has just tweeted "good night for me, minus knocking off my mate bomber in heat 15" which would appear to support your view!

Yes, but to be fair it changes in next month's figures!

Masters not eligible to take an RR for Douglas.

Didn't think you'd get a nibble there Steve, in all honesty!

Exactly.

The total lack of accurate points analysis by the commentary team has been my bugbear all week. Surely next time they could take along a level-headed statto who understands the sport to feed them this kind of info? Points won off each gate, who won the relevant heat if it goes to countback, country X need a minimum of Y points here or they're out, etc etc. Someone like Dave Rowe would be ideal, IMHO.

Yes, was just wondering the same!

Congratulations to Australia. But that's a fine night for GB without their No 1 rider. Great effort from Lambert and Bewley.

Feared that the way he was holding his arm. Shame.

It's only knockabout stuff, I don't think either of us is taking it over-seriously.

My pleasure!

Which of course proves he's fit for tonight? With your diagnostic skills you should go into private practice.

How was medical school? Did you complete the course?

Hmmm. Jorgensen at reserve will be a threat as will Edwards, in good form and with plenty of Monmore experience. RR for Morris not helpful for Wolves. I still see a home win, but wouldn't think a point beyond Lynn.