Swindon Robins freshen up the team for battle against Belle Vue Aces

Following Mitchell Davey’s horrific crash at Birmingham while racing in the National League last week, Rossiter has drafted in promising teenager Jack Smith to fill the void left by the injured Aussie.

Smith, who also races in the National League with Belle Vue Colts and the Championship with Sheffield Tigers, will make his debut for the Robins tonight against a side he’s more than familiar with, having raced for the Aces last season.

But Rossiter expects a tough encounter in Manchester as the Aces seek to stretch their unbeaten run at home this season to six meetings.

He said: “It’s going to be a tough one.

“Belle Vue are getting dialled in now, their riders are coming good at home.

“We raced them at the beginning of the season when they weren’t on top form.

“But Dan (Bewley) is flying now and is in the main body of the team beating the top riders for fun.

“We’re going to have to be on our game to get something out of it.

“But if we carry on like we’re doing, we stand a good chance.”

Swindon’s form entering tonight’s fixture was boosted when heat leader Troy Batchelor picked up a silver medal at the Premiership Riders’ Championship at Poole on Wednesday night.

The Australian international was only denied by world champion – and Robins asset – Jason Doyle in the final after being beaten to the first corner.

Elsewhere in that meeting, Nick Morris picked up seven points after crashing heavily in his third ride, while Adam Ellis, who was drafted in as a late replacement for Craig Cook, finished on five points.

Rossiter said: “Troy beat Jason (Doyle) in one of the qualifying races, so we discussed what gate to pick, but it’s difficult when you’ve got the world champion on your shoulder.

“If doesn’t matter what gate you go from, if he went off gate two I don’t think it would’ve made a difference.

“It was a good result for Troy.”