Holder: 'A real find'

He's made the step up from the Premier League, he's been scoring loads of points and he's beginning to establish himself as a future international star.

Kelvin Tatum on Chris Holder
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• Belle Vue Aces
• Poole Pirates

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It's back to Elite League action on Monday night but I have to mention what a great night was had last week when the Sky cameras made a rare trip to the Premier League to see an exciting clash between Edinburgh and Workington.

It was disastrous start for the Comets, who had all sorts of problems in the first six races what with mechanical problems and rider exclusions. They were up against it even before the halfway point but the Monarchs were so strong, and on that performance, they have to be really strong contenders for the Premier League title.

There was a fantastic atmosphere, a terrific turnout - I think it was the biggest crowd they've had at the stadium - and that crowd's enthusiasm helped make it a really good night for speedway.

Daunting task

Belle Vue haven't won away all season and they couldn't have a more daunting task than travelling to the leaders.

It will be a tough night for the Aces. They haven't the best of seasons, even with Jason Crump returning and riding at the top of his game. They've struggled to really pressure a team away from home, and I don't fancy them to start doing that against the impressive outfit that Poole have been this season.

Wimborne Road is quite a flowing track - the sort of place you need to go to with a bit of horsepower and really attack.

And I have to say that the hosts are looking really good. They finished in fourth last year but they've made some shrewd signings and have a lot of strong riders.

Some experienced riders like Walasek have underperformed in the past but Chris Holder has been a real star, a real find for them. He's made the step up from the Premier League, he's been scoring loads of points and he's beginning to establish himself as a future international star.

When you're in a team that's going well, you tend to get dragged along with it. Bjarne Pedersen's in there too of course so the Pirates have got real strength in depth, which is very important.

Highly motivated

It's going to be a tough call between Poole and second-placed Lakeside for the top spot - they match up as very strong outfits - but I'd like to think the Pirates have the composure and the ability within the team to keep their noses in front.

They know what it's all about; they've got the infrastructure, they won back-to-back Championships in 2003 and 2004 and they're desperate for success again this time around. They're a very well supported club and I know that they're highly motivated to win the Championship.

In contrast, the Aces are in a vulnerable position, particularly because Coventry and Peterborough have strengthened and made some changes to their teams.

Belle Vue have got some younger riders like Billy Forsberg, who they hope will make great strides in the sport but I think they've relied too heavily on Jason Crump this season.

They've had injuries too - Joe Screen has been in and out of the team - but especially away from home, they haven't been able to perform as a 1-7, if you know what I mean. They need to get that confidence going throughout the team.

It looks a real challenge for Belle Vue but there's always the chance that Poole may have a rider out of form - Coventry drew with them and would have won had Chris Harris not lost power in race 15. Bjarne Pedersen had a poor meeting so if a couple of their riders underperfrom, Belle Vue could pounce.

But if the Pirates ride to their potential, it'll be a very difficult night for the Aces.

Kelvin's call

HOME WIN: It's got to be Poole for me. They're in a far stronger position in the league, and they've been doninant at home.