SWINDON boss Alun Rossiter believes Robins rider Edward Kennett is firmly in the mix to win his first British title at Wolverhampton this evening.

The 26-year-old has made a fast start to his spell with the Robins following two difficult campaigns with Coventry, and tonight takes on the likes of Tai Woffinden, Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls for the right to be crowned British number one at Monmore Green.

Kennett came close last season before crashing out in the final, and Rossiter believes his rider could easily be challenging at the top this season.

“Edward has been there plenty of times and he has nearly done it before, but this year he is riding the best he has in a long time,” he said.

“He has a chance, and form-wise he is probably ahead of both Scott (Nicholls) and Bomber (Chris Harris), so I’m sure he will be in the mix and hopefully he will do well.

“Tai (Woffinden) is in the form of his life at the moment and being at Wolverhampton he has to be the favourite, but Edward has a real chance and we will see what he can do if he can get out the start.”

Kennett’s fellow Robin Ashley Birks is also competing, and while Rossiter doesn’t expect the youngster to challenge at the top of the scoring chart he believes his first experience of the British Final will stand him in good stead.

“For Ashley I still think it is a bit early for him to be going there and trying to win the title, but this is a great chance for him to be able to go there and get a chance to compete and battle it out with some of the better riders,” he said.

“It’s a great experience for Ashley because he has risen up the sport so quickly, and while it is probably too early for him to be competing for the title you never know what can happen.”