GRAND Prix master Greg Hancock predicts Pirates star Chris Holder will be a “real threat” to his World Championship crown.

Hancock has enjoyed unparalleled success on the big stage, the American a two-time winner of the coveted title and ever present since the GP started in 1995.

The 41-year-old, who lifted the claret jug of speedway in 1997 and 2011, tops the standings after four rounds of this year’s event.

Winner of the opening GP in New Zealand, Hancock was beaten by Holder in the semi-final in Leszno – where the Poole skipper went on to take the laurels.

A finalist in Prague earlier this month, Hancock shared the podium with Holder on Saturday when the pair finished second and third, respectively, behind winner Freddie Lindgren.

Hancock, who rides with Holder for Piraterna in the Swedish League, told the Daily Echo: “Chris is a bundle of talent. He has got the ability to handle the nerves and everything else in a different way to most people and is a real threat to the contenders.

“I rate him highly and have for a long time. He is different to everyone else in terms of attitude and ability and that’s what makes the sport so exciting. I like him because he enjoys what he does. He takes it very seriously but, when he is not on the track, he has a blast. I think those are some of the key elements that work well with the sport.

“He has got a huge future ahead of him and it is fun to able to ride alongside him to help and learn at the same time. To win a world title, you need to be determined to begin with and Chris is certainly that.”

Hancock, who is six points ahead of 24-year-old Holder in the standings, added: “He is still very young. Everybody matures and I remember going through it myself. Chris is finding his feet and is still learning. Fortunately, he has found his way pretty quickly and is getting better all the time. But he is still very much a kid and I think that is what is good about him.

“I was 27 when I won my first title. We may be similar in some ways but, in character and personality, we are so different. We hit it off because we are both easy to get along with. I like his style and think it is neat and great for the sport.

“We are fierce competitors on the track but we have the utmost respect for each other as well. Chris and Darcy Ward are bringing a whole new light into the sport. Chris is definitely showing his true colours this year and it is going to be interesting to watch his future.”

Holder will renew rivalry with Lindgren tonight when Coastal Aluminium Pirates host Wolverhampton in the second leg of their Knockout Cup encounter (7.30pm). Poole cruised to a 54-39 victory over a depleted Wolves outfit in the first leg eight days ago.

Wolves reserve Ricky Wells goes into the clash on the back of an astonishing paid 20 return for the Midlanders against Peterborough on Monday.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder, 2 Sam Masters, 3 Darcy Ward, 4 Dennis Andersson, 5 Adrian Miedzinski, 6 Ricky Kling, 7 Todd Kurtz.

Wolves: 1 Freddie Lindgren, 2 Pontus Aspgren, 3 Robert Miskowiak, 4 R/R Tai Woffinden, 5 Ty Proctor, 6 Ricky Wells, 7 Lukasz Sowka.