Thomas Stockdale drew on his inner Mark Zahra to steer Warnie to the biggest victory of his riding career, producing a poised and polished performance in the saddle.

Guiding the Ciaron Maher-trained galloper with confidence, Stockdale lifted Warnie to a thrilling win in The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham on Saturday.

The Supernova was the second of Southside Racing’s innovative slot races, following last month’s running of The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne.

Sent out a $11 chance, Warnie unleashed a powerful surge down the centre of the Pakenham straight to overhaul the $2.20 favourite Private Eye, scoring by a half-head. Arkansaw Kid ($10) closed off strongly to finish a long neck away in third.

Stockdale revealed he had studied Warnie’s previous runs closely, especially those ridden by champion jockey Mark Zahra.

“Every time Mark sat on his back, he was in a nice flowing rhythm, he was relaxed, conserving energy and he showed an electric turn of foot off it,” Stockdale said.

“I tried to channel my inner Zahra perch, nice hands, get him to relax, and he let rip.

“When you let rip like that, you are usually confident, but then the gallopers in front of you, you know they are not going to lie down easily, but he was trained to minute to come back in trip after a tough run over the mile.

“To have him so well and present him the way they did, it’s a huge credit to the team.”

Stockdale, who began his apprenticeship in the Gippsland region and now lives in nearby Bunyip, said the win meant more than most.

“It’s the biggest win of my career,” Stockdale said.

“I’ve won low level Group races, but it’s been nowhere as much prize money.

“It’s something special and has come at the right time.”

Warnie’s victory rounded out a dominant afternoon for the Ciaron Maher team, who had already claimed the first three races on the card.

After scoring over 1400m at Flemington during Cup week, Warnie was tested over 1600m in the Cranbourne Cup, finishing fifth on November 22.

National assistant-trainer Jack Turnbull said the stable had worked diligently to freshen the horse for the return to 1400m.

“We had to change things up and we were mindful of how deep we are in the campaign in having to come back to the seven (furlongs),” Turnbull said.

“It’s a credit to the team. It’s very rewarding and it’s completed a huge day for the team.”

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