MATT Ford reckons Cardiff’s home comforts could provide Chris Holder with the perfect opportunity to claim his first Speedway Grand Prix win since 2012.

The Pirates number one last topped the podium at the Millennium Stadium almost four years ago en route to securing the world championship.

Since then, Holder has reached nine finals in 33 meetings, including three out of four during a stellar start to this year’s series.

And his boss at Wimborne Road believes the set up in the Welsh capital will be ideal as the Aussie seeks to break his duck by joining record-holders Jason Crump and Greg Hancock on three victories at the iconic venue.

Quizzed on Holder’s chances, Ford told the Daily Echo: “He is very capable of winning in Cardiff, there is no doubt in my mind.

“When Chris went to Prague two weeks ago, he said his best form was overdue but I felt it would not necessarily be that track he would do it on.

“As much as that is a very fair track and there is no reason why he cannot win at these places, it has just never been one of his better ones but to me, Cardiff is.

“He is quite adept on temporary tracks. This is a wonderful example of one of the best and in terms of the shape and design, Cardiff is not too dissimilar to what we have at Poole, even if it is prepared slightly slicker.

“The size is right for Chris to make the most of his gating ability and then his knowledge once he gets in front.

“I don’t wish to put any pressure on him, the Grand Prix field is so competitive and unpredictable, all we can hope is that he does the town proud in the same way he has so many times in the past.”

And it is not just on the track where Ford thinks Holder can benefit from a familiar feel.

“We have friends coming over from Australia to support Chris and as always, there will be a strong Pirates contingent in the crowd,” he added.

“All riders who ply their trade in the Elite League get a warm welcome from fans across the country, British speedway creates a unique atmosphere and quite simply, it doesn’t get any better than this as an event for anyone connected with the sport.

“We also extend our best wishes to Maciej Janowski. He may not be riding over here this season but has always been brilliant to deal with and we quite rightly feel proud to have played a part in his progress.

“We wish him all the very best and it would be great to see Chris and Maciej on the rostrum.”

Holder was drawn number 11 and will take the outside gate for two of his five qualifying rides.

Speedway Grand Prix draw: 1 Antonio Lindback, 2 Peter Kildemand, 3 Bartosz Zmarzlik, 4 Freddie Lindgren, 5 Maciej Janowski, 6 Greg Hancock, 7 Jason Doyle, 8 Piotr Pawlicki, 9 Tai Woffinden, 10 Chris Harris, 11 Chris Holder, 12 Matej Zagar, 13 Danny King, 14 Nicki Pedersen, 15 Andreas Jonsson, 16 Niels-Kristian Iversen. Reserves: Steve Worrall, Robert Lambert.