Plumb to risk title for big gigs

RYAN Plumb is willing to risk rivals chipping into his substantial lead in the Gold Coast jockeys premiership to chase wins on horses he believes can take him to Group success.

Plumb has all but sealed his first Coast premiership with 3½ months left in the season.

The 28-year-old already has 36 wins to his name while his closest rival, Luke Rolls, has 19.

Plumb said he was confident of winning the title but the arrival of the winter carnival may cut the amount of time he rides in his home city.

It is Plumb’s partnership with leading Gold Coast trainer Les Kelly that has taken him to the top of the standings and it is that same relationship that will take him away from the Coast in the next three weeks.

Plumb is booked to ride the Kelly-trained Dixyville, Aggravate and Freddie Fox Trot in metropolitan meetings in coming weeks.

The respected hoop said it was a risk to pass up rides at the Gold Coast but he was confident of sealing the title.

“It is a risk but I think Freddie Fox Trot can win a good race,” Plumb said.

“He is pretty smart and has had five starts for four very easy wins. There are definitely some stakes and Group races for him over the carnival so it’s important to stay on him.

“He is lightly raced but has done a good job so far.

“If he is good enough they think a race like the Stradbroke (Handicap) or (Doomben) 10,000 would suit him. He will tell us in the next couple of weeks how good he is.”

Plumb is hesitant to ever give up opportunities of riding in Brisbane given the number of rides he misses due to his battle with weight.

He generally rides at 56.5kg and rarely gets to 55kg.

“I have missed out on at least two dozen winners this season because I couldn’t ride the weight,” Plumb said.

With a premiership in sight, Plumb said winning the title would be one to savour.

“It would be very special,” Plumb said. “(But) I do most of my trackwork for Les and ride nearly every day. I really like those horses and I couldn’t watch them go around without me after riding them every day for six to eight weeks.”