PIRATES hotshot Chris Holder has slammed the new reduced point limit, which has cost him his chance of riding with Jason Crump at Poole.

The Wimborne Road side were forced to choose between last season's stars Crump and Bjarne Pedersen, as they built a seven-man team with a combined average of 38.85 points.

With co-promoter Matt Ford seeking strength in depth, Crump's higher figure meant Pedersen was preferred.

Having raced with Crump at Polish club Wroclaw last year, Australian Championship leader Holder was hoping to team up with his fellow countryman in Dorset.

And as he prepares for the second round of the Aussie title series at Gillman today, the 20-year-old is saddened by his mentor's departure.

He said: "Obviously, it's a big shame not having Jason around - I was told 'he'll be there, he'll be there' and it just didn' work out.

"The average and point limit has really stuffed that, and a lot of things, up.

"Jason is just a great rider and he's always the man who digs deep and gets everybody going.

"He gives me lots of really good advice on changes and he's excellent with the team side of things.

"It's a shame Jason won't be there but there are six other riders that make up a team.

"I'm looking forward to riding with Bjarne - he's a great rider and I'm sure we'll all be alright with him."

Before he gets his Poole career underway, Holder will bid to win his maiden Australian title.

He stormed to an impressive triumph in the opening round at Mildura on Saturday, despite admitting his hatred for the Victoria track.

And the circuit for today's second round at Gillman has a special place in Holder's heart.

"I have two won Aussie Under-21 Championships there, so I don't mind that track," he added.

"I've washed the bikes and I'm just looking to go out there and do the same as I did on Saturday.

"I was gating pretty well then and if I can keep that up, I should be up there today."

Holder has already claimed the Western Australia and New South Wales state crowns during his winter holiday.

His top form could put him in line for a sensational double of national senior and under-21 titles.

The three-time under-21 champion will have to conquer his Mildura hoodoo again to win the junior final on January 26.

But Holder said: "I've beaten everyone before and I'm confident I can do the double.

"If I keep going like this, I should be up there and it would be fantastic to pull this off."