Warnie flies late to win The Supernova 2025

With a composed ride inspired by Mark Zahra, jockey Thomas Stockdale steered Warnie to a breakthrough victory in the lucrative The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham.

It was a signature moment for Stockdale, who delivered a tactically brilliant performance as the Ciaron Maher-trained runner stormed to victory in Southside Racing’s second slot race, following The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne.

Warnie, backed at $11, produced a devastating turn of foot down the outside to mow down the heavily favoured Private Eye ($2.20), winning by a half-head. Arkansaw Kid ($10) boxed on well for third.

Stockdale said that reviewing Mark Zahra’s previous rides on the horse gave him clear insight into how to extract Warnie’s best performance.

“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.”

For Stockdale, who emerged from the Gippsland riding ranks and now lives in Bunyip, the result was a career highlight.

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

The win capped a dominant afternoon for the Ciaron Maher operation, who completed a four-race haul on the program.

Warnie had been progressing steadily this preparation, winning over 1400m at Flemington during Cup week before stretching to 1600m in the Cranbourne Cup where he finished fifth.

National assistant-trainer Jack Turnbull said freshening the horse for the return to 1400m was a delicate task.

“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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