Plumb’s in for fruitful season at current rate

JOCKEY Ryan Plumb says he is on track for one of the best seasons of his career after celebrating three wins at the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast hoop took his season tally to 18 at his home track on the back of three winners at Aquis Park on Saturday to continue his stellar form and partnership with trainer Les Kelly.

Plumb rode the Kellytrained Desmon’s Pride ($1.95), Sheza Lily ($1.65) and Smart As Attack ($2) to victory at the weekend to take his winning strike rate at the Gold Coast to 29 per cent so far in the 2017-18 season.

“This could end up being pretty high up there with the best seasons I have had,” Plumb said.

“I have had a few good seasons where I’ve ridden almost a 100 winners. Strike rate-wise this is fantastic.

“I just hope I can keep it going forward.”

Plumb credited his knowledge of Kelly’s horses and the confidence from the respected trainer and the various connections for his run of success.

“I ride trackwork at the Gold Coast three or four days a week and I know the horses really well,” Plumb said.

“You really get an affinity with the horse and it plays a big role because you get to know what they like and don’t like.

“Les trusts me and it gives me a lot of confidence in my riding.

“When you have the trust of the trainers and owners, usually you make the right decisions because you have no doubt in yours or your horse’s ability.”

Desmon’s Pride, who battled foot problems last preparation, won his second straight race and third of this preparation with his victory in the Class 4 Handicap (1400m).

Plumb was most impressed by Sheza Lily’s win by 7½ lengths in the Class 4 Handicap (1800m).

“It was a lovely run and when I quickened her up with 200m to go she put a big gap on them and it could have been a lot further,” he said.

Punters weren’t afraid to accept the odds-on price for Sheza Lily, with UBET taking bets of $6000 and $2900 at $1.60 on the winner.