A swim with the dolphins and change of environment may be behind the big improvement that led $41 outsider Smokin' Joey to storm home from last to win the Tab.Com.Au Stakes at Flemington.

The six-year-old gelding was running for Mornington trainer Wez Hunter for the first time after switching from Mick Price two weeks ago following his last place in the Group Two Gilgai Stakes on October 5.

The Group Three win at Flemington provided Hunter with the highlight of his three-year training career.

Smokin' Joey, at the rear of the field as it turned the corner in the 1400m race, looked the odds given by the bookies, but then started to pass the opposition as frontrunner British General tired.

He hit the lead at 100m and finished strongly to beat Galah ($5.50) by 1-3/4 lengths, with Strike The Stars ($8.50) a short half head away third.

Hunter said when they took Smokin' Joey for a swim on Mornington Beach, a pod of dolphins swam over - a good luck sign according to locals.

Jockey Chris Symons rode Smokin' Joey at training on Tuesday and discussed the best way to ride him.

"He's like driving a semi-trailer and he takes a fair bit of winding up," said Hunter.

"If he loses his momentum it's game over."

Symons said barrier 12 was perfect for his mount, as it gave him the opportunity "to keep out of harms way".