BEN Barker reckons the Weymouth Wildcats are hot favourites to beat Bristol Bulldogs in the second leg of their West Country Challenge at the Wessex Stadium tonight (start 6pm).

The flying teenager, who picked up 11 points for the Dorset outfit in their 47-43 first leg success at the Oak Tree Arena on Friday night, predicts home advantage will see the team through to victory.

Barker, 15, said: "I know we're only leading by four points, but that's a good lead to have going into the home leg. The big plus for us is that all our riders rode the Weymouth track on the opening night in the Wessex Rosebowl event, while to the Bulldogs it will be a completely new experience.

"The Weymouth circuit is a lot smaller than Bristol's and you really have to use your head when you go round. It was tough for all of us on that first night but the experience will definitely give us a great advantage this evening."

If the Wildcats are to take the honours tonight, they'll have to keep a close eye on their opponents two top scorers from Friday - Rob Finlow and Simon Dyminski.

"Both are really good riders," added Barker. "I had a couple of good tussles with Rob who went on to get 16 points up there and Simon also rode well for his eight.

"The match is far from over and we'll be taking nothing for granted. Obviously we go into the meeting as favourites with our own supporters behind us, but Bristol will be gunning for revenge and so there should be some good racing."

Meanwhile the world under-16 125cc champions, who currently rides for Trelawny Tigers, revealed he's hoping to figure in Wildcats chief Brian White's Conference League plans next season.

"It's great fun working for Brian," he admitted, "and I love riding for Weymouth. The team spirit is absolutely brilliant and I think the Wildcats will do well next year.

"I don't know what I'll be doing next season because it depends on who wants me and what happens at Trelawny. But hopefully I'll get a regular ride with Weymouth because I think the team is really going places."

Wildcats: 1 Cambridge, 2 Barker, 3 Warwick, 4 Mackay, 5 Elkins, 6 Johnson, 7 Irwin

Bulldogs: 1 Dyminski, 2 Smart, 3 Finlow, 4 Walker, 5 Cross, 6 Candy, 7 Hackett.