New Podcast: Twin Rivers Review and a big debut coming in Ocala

In our latest podcast episode, Annie Bishop and Diarm Byrne unpack a wild few weeks of competition and look ahead to a fascinating Ocala field. From James Alliston’s incredible 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th at Twin Rivers to the long-awaited CCI4*-S debut of Sharon White's Jaguar’s Duende, this is the kind of stretch that transforms a season.

💥 Alliston’s Historic Weekend

We’ve seen dominance, but not like this. James Alliston not only showed up at Twin Rivers — he swept the podium and then some. His four-horse haul (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th) is the kind of stat you rarely see, even at the international level. As Diarm notes, it’s the first time in nearly a decade that one rider has had four horses in the top five at this level.

And those 125 points? They’ve vaulted him into third place on the leaderboard — from zero.

🔄 Caroline Reloads for Ocala

Caroline Pamukcu has two big bullets to fire this weekend: Redfield Dexter and HSH Tolland King. Sitting in eighth place with 60 points, a strong result at Ocala could launch her right into title contention — especially with HSH Blake poised to strike at Kentucky next week.

Prediction Center odds are stacked in her favor (this week and next) with Caroline holding both the first and second highest win chances. She’s been here before — and after a few setbacks at TerraNova, you get the sense she’s coming in sharp.

🐎 The Duende Debut

Let’s just say it: Jaguar’s Duende feels like the breakout moment we’ve all been waiting for. Sharon White’s carefully-managed star mare makes her 4* debut at Ocala, and it’s one of the most buzzed-about entries of the entire series.

Will she run fast? Will she challenge for a podium? Maybe. But as Annie reminds us (and Diarm tries to internalize), this is a long game — and Sharon’s approach has always been horse-first. That said, this mare hasn’t missed a podium yet at the lower levels, so don’t be surprised if she forces her way into the conversation.

📊 The Leaderboard Gets Real

With Ocala marking the halfway point in the series, we’re finally starting to see the true shape of the leaderboard. Phillip Dutton’s early-season lead is suddenly under pressure. Boyd Martin, James Alliston, and possibly Caroline could be right there by the time Kentucky rolls around.

And that’s exactly what the Open was designed to do — create reasons to follow, stories to connect, and new fans to hook.

🥇 Predictions & Podium Picks

Want to know who Annie and Diarm are backing this week? They both expect big things from Caroline’s entries, but Diarm also makes the case for Zachary Brandt and Direct Advance sneaking into the top three.

And while Annie won’t let herself put Jaguar’s Duende on the podium (superstition!), she makes it clear her heart says otherwise.

🎧 Listen Now

This is the weekend that could change everything. Will Caroline make her charge? Will Sharon’s 'Jags' deliver a debut for the ages? And who else could shake up the table?

📣 Stay Connected

Explore the latest Fan Guide, check the Prediction Center, and follow the series on Instagram.