Track Talk: Tai Woffinden needs to step up his game in Slovenia

Defending world champion Tai Woffinden has made a big play about wanting to win back-to-back world crowns – but to do that the Great Brit has got to show an improvement from a fortnight ago in Poland.

He couldn’t get off the start and failed to make the semi-finals – but he’s a single-minded guy who will have his mind very much focussed on putting things right tonight.

And another ex-Wolves rider, Fast Freddie Lindgren, will be a man to watch. He looked set for the win in Warsaw until he lost some control on the back straight of the final and was passed by Leon Madsen.

Lindgren is the real deal these days. He’s a determined character, but then again Wolverhampton fans will tell you he always has been!

He had a great first half of the season last year and has a reasonable record around this Krsko track. He will be a major threat tonight.

And what about young British ace Robert Lambert? He’s in again for Greg Hancock and I wonder if he can build on the eight points he notched in Warsaw – including a semi-final appearance!

It’s a great experience for the King’s Lynn rider and I’m sure he can benefit from the experience.

I’m going to stick my neck out and say Lindgren for the win tonight – with Bartosz Zmarzlik on the rostrum.

Don’t forget you can join us for all the action on BT Sport from 6pm – Kelvin Tatum and myself will be in the commentary box again.

Cradley are back at Monmore for the third time this season – and they hand a debut to Jack Smith against his former club.

Smith, son of former British champion Andy, has signed for the Heathens to replace the unfortunate Tom Brennan, whose season is over with a broken leg. And Smith spent 2018 with the Belle Vue Colts, who are Monday’s visitors in an ironic twist!

Smith said: “It’s an honour to finally sign for this famous club. Cradley and me have spoken before but now it’s happened I’m excited. I can’t wait to face Belle Vue on Monday, I have a lot of friends there and it will be great to see all the Cradley fans at Wolverhampton. It will be a great night.”

Wolverhampton head to King’s Lynn for their latest Premiership outing on Monday.

And they’ll be up against a strengthened Stars side after they swooped to sign GB ace Craig Cook at the start of the week.

Wolves, meanwhile, have brought back Jacob Thorssell and Nick Morris from injury and they found it tough with two meetings on the same day on Bank Holiday Monday.

Once they click, I expect the Parrys International Wolves to be a force this season.

I reckon they could claim a bonus point on Monday for losing away by less than six points – they could even sneak a draw! Let’s see...