Allen’s ultimate pick-up ride

Cranbourne-based apprentice Ben Allen has picked up a late ride in today's Melbourne Cup. 167721 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By David Nagel

The chances of a local jockey winning this afternoon’s $6 million Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) have improved significantly after Cranbourne apprentice Ben Allen picked up a late ride in the great race.
Allen was called up as a late replacement for star Singapore jockey Joao Moreira, who suffered a fall aboard the Chris Waller-trained Regal Monarch in the fourth race on the card.
Moreira received no significant injuries from the fall but was deemed unfit to ride the William Mullins-trained Thomas Hobson in the famous Flemington two miler.
The Irish galloper is considered a legitimate chance in today’s race, with Allen saddling up alongside Craig Williams (Wall of Fire) and Beau Mertens (Cismontane) – fellow jockeys with strong Cranbourne connections.
Allen is apprenticed to his father John, who trains out of Cranbourne, and has a strong family involvement in the sport.
His brother Matthew rides for Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths, his sister Rachel is now retired from the saddle, while his sister Amanda is his manager.
The Melbourne Cup is littered with famous stories, but if the youngster can salute in the race that stops the nation it would be one of the more remarkable chapters in the races history.
The gates spring back at 3pm.