PIRATES chief Matt Ford is determined to win the race to sign Jack Holder as he believes the rising star could be set for the top – like brother Chris.

Ford confirmed he was keen to complete a deal for the youngest Holder sibling after revealing that the young gun could ride in the UK as soon as next season.

Poole promoter Ford, who is understood to be facing competition from an unnamed Premier League club, is aiming to make the emerging talent a full club asset.

Ford will undoubtedly be hoping that his strong links with Wimborne Road hero Chris Holder, and the fact that Pirates legend Craig Boyce is a friend of the family, could give Poole the edge in any negotiations.

And Ford, who has enjoyed plenty of success nurturing Australian talent at Wimborne Road, is keen to give Jack Holder a chance to follow in his compatriots’ footsteps by realising his potential with Poole.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Ford said: “Jack Holder is somebody we would like to build a relationship with. He is one and there are other riders I am a big fan of.

“I think Jack is ready to come. His parents wanted him to pass his driving test and start his apprenticeship and I know he has done that. It is something they did with Chris as well.

“Jack is champing at the bit to come over. We know one Premier League club, in particular, has been very busy on the phone to Jack. We are at a stage where we are seeing how things materialise.

“Jack knows what we are about. It is not a case of him seeing if things are okay with us, he will already know things are okay. Hopefully, he will realise that his long-term career can be at Poole.”

Older siblings Chris and James Holder have both represented Pirates and Ford wants Jack to become the third brother to join the club’s asset base.

At the age of 26, Chris Hol-der is arguably already among the greatest riders to don the skull and crossbones having won the 2012 world champion-ship during his time in Dorset.

After joining Poole, he cut his teeth with Isle of Wight before stepping up to win three Elite League titles and rocket his way into Pirates’ all-time top-10 point-scoring list.

That quality could be in the genes as Jack Holder has showed his skills by claiming the under-16s 250cc-350cc solo crown and a team title during the 2012 Australian campaign.