Workington Comets hope the blow of missing former Edinburgh No1 Craig Cook for their trip across the border tonight will be softened by a pair of track experts.

Comets skipper Cook spent five years at Armadale, winning back-to-back Premier League titles in a record-breaking Monarchs team, and his absence to ride in a Grand Prix qualifier in Lonigo, Italy, could dampen the visitors’ spirits.

But the West Cumbrians hope the experience of another former Edinburgh rider – Newcastle’s Steve Worrall – as a guest can help fill the gap left by the Cleator ace.

And Mason Campton, who will be acting captain tonight, is no stranger to the track, having helped former Comets star and current Edinburgh rider Ricky Wells in the pits this season as a mechanic.

Comets owner Laura Morgan said: “Obviously we don’t have Craig which in some ways puts a dampener on the meeting.

“I know that’s a mutual feeling because Edinburgh were looking forward to seeing him ride and probably hoped that Ricky and him could have some good head-to-heads.

“This qualifier is part of his progression so he’s doing what he’s got to do.

“I think we’ve got a good guest in Steve because he’s flying at the moment and knows the track.

“Mason has been in the team long enough, he has plenty of experience and this year he’s spannering for Ricky so he’s been up at Edinburgh every week since the start of the season.

“Hopefully he’s picked up lots of information regarding the track which he can feed back to the boys.”

Meanwhile, Cook and his Comets team-mate Adam Roynon were due to ride in the British Semi-final at Sheffield last night.