Anthony Allen wins on Straturbo

Former top apprentice Anthony Allen has reignited his metropolitan career with a clever ride to win the Listed Bribie Handicap at Doomben on Sydney sprinter Straturbo.

Allen rode Jadedfox to win at the Gold Coast earlier on Saturday before travelling to Brisbane for the ride on Straturbo ($6) who shot clear in the straight for an impressive win.

It was Starturbo’s second win in a Listed race at Doomben as he won the Chief De Beers Stakes during the last winter carnival.

Starturbo is trained by Gary Portelli who was in Sydney to saddle new Golden Slipper favourite She Will Reign for her win in the Inglis Nursery.

Allen was Brisbane’s leading apprentice five years ago and has ridden a steady stream of winners since coming out his time but has had limited recent opportunities in the city.

He has been riding trackwork for several top trainers and was booked to ride smart mare Tumbler in the Bribie but she failed to get a start.

“It turned out OK because I got on this bloke,” Allen said.

“It is good to ride a chance in these races. They went very hard early and we were able to get a sit just behind them.”