Ben Knobel’s domination of this season’s Rising Star Series was completed in style on Saturday when the apprentice took out the final at Flemington aboard Banca Mo.
Knobel, a runaway winner of the 24-race series for apprentices, partnered the David and Scott Brunton-trained Banca Mo to an eight-length victory in the National Patient Transport Handicap (1800m).
Banca Mo winning the National Patient Transport Rising Stars Final at Flemington - Photo By Race Horse Photos
It took Knobel’s points for the series to 90-1/2, more than double his nearest rival Damien Thornton (44).
“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the series,” Knobel said.
“I put the series beyond doubt a couple of months ago but to end it in town with a win in the final by such a big margin is fitting.”
Knobel, a mature-age apprentice at 26 years old, only started riding trackwork when he was 19 and has just extended his apprenticeship for another year.
Tasmanian galloper Banca Mo will be targeted at his home state’s major Cup races next year.
“Next preparation he’s going to be a very nice horse,” Knobel said.
“The Bruntons have got him lined up for a Cups campaign in Tassie and I think he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. He’ll be a seasoned horse then.”
