It’s heavy going but Ryan sets the pace
PREMIERSHIP leader Ryan Plumb is well on the way to claiming a second Gold Coast jockeys title and is looking to extend his lead at Aquis Park today.
Plumb admits that because he can only take rides in the heavyweight range, his chances of winning another premiership might be restricted but he is well on track this season with a mid-term fivewin buffer over nine-times title winner Daniel Griffin.
Plumb claimed the Gold Coast premiership two seasons ago and finished on the heels of Griffin last season.
“It is going to be hard because I am one of the heaviest jockeys there,” Plumb said.
“At the moment my minimum is 57kg but I am trying to get it down to 56kg. I haven’t ridden under 57kg for a long time.”
Plumb has seven rides at the Gold Coast today and is leaning towards the Marcus Wilson-trained Don’t Leave
Me Out as his best chance of the meeting.
Former Sydney galloper Don’t Leave Out will be having his first run for Wilson in the Class 5 Handicap (1100m) and heads into today’s race with a Doomben barrier trial win under his belt.
“It trialled very well and is coming back in grade from strong Sydney races. That would be my pick of the day,” Plumb said.
The jockey will also ride A Million Dreams for Coffs Harbour trainer Brett Dodson in the Class 1 Handicap (1100m). “He is going quite well and hopefully can get the job done,” Plumb said of the four-year-old.
Plumb will also be on Prince Duporth in the Maiden Handicap (1200m), Li’l Rodge in the Class 4 Handicap (1800m) and Shishaq in the Class 1 Handicap (1400m) as well as first starters North Rocks in the QTIS 2YO Maiden Handicap (900m) and Pacquola in the QTIS 3YO Maiden (1200m).
Jockey Alannah Fancourt completed a successful apprentice under the guidance of Brisbane metropolitan premiership-winning trainer Tony Gollan and will team up with her old boss with four rides at the God Coast today – Looming Large, Toucan Sam, Lady Melba and Single Again.
Lady Melba has a host of
Handicap new gear to carry in the QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap (1200m) and will be wearing a set of blinkers, a lugging bit and a tongue tie for the first time.
Fancourt’s other rides for Gollan are Single Again in the Class 1 Handicap (1100m), Looming Large in the QTIS 2YO Maiden Handicap (900m) and Toucan Sam in the Maiden Handicap (1200m).