Apprentice Ben Allen wins first Group race

Leading Melbourne apprentice Ben Allen has won his first Group Three race, steering the Darren Weir-trained Big Duke to victory in the Launceston Cup.

The former English stayer was the $2.10 favourite and finished Wednesday’s 2400m-race a length in front of Count Da Vinci who had beaten him in the Hobart Cup.

Allen is well clear of Ben Thompson in his bid for the Melbourne apprentices’ title and is fourth on the senior premiership behind Craig Williams, Damien Oliver and Dwayne Dunn.

The 17-year-old will ride Faatinah in Saturday’s Oakleigh Plate with the gelding to carry 52.5kg in the Group One sprint.