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Apprentice jockey Les Tilly claimed his maiden points in this season’s Wilson Medic One Rising Stars Series with victory aboard Halfblood Prince in today’s sixth heat at Mornington.

Tilly partnered the Byron Cozamanis-trained six-year-old to a comfortable victory over Verification, ridden by Aaron Mitchell, in the 1500m Benchmark 64 event.

After beginning positively from barrier two, Tilly took up a position on the fence behind leader Joy Of Gold after letting the mare, ridden by Chris Caserta, cross the field.

Queensland-born Tilly, who is currently working for Caulfield trainer Peter Moody, came off the fence aboard Halfblood Prince ($13) in the straight and took the lead inside the final furlong, eventually recording a half-length victory.

The race also saw 15-year-old apprentice Brandon Stockdale, who made his race debut at Sale last Wednesday, claim the first Rising Stars points of his career thanks to a fourth place finish on the Matthew Gilmore-trained Tallat.

Last season’s joint Rising Stars winner Jye McNeil maintains his 12-point lead at the top of the standings but is expected to be sidelined for multiple heats this spring after fracturing his collarbone in a recent Albury fall.

Victoria’s premier apprentice-only race series now heads to Seymour on Tuesday,28 October before Moe hosts a heat on Tuesday, 18 November.