Samantha Clenton has begun the next phase of her career in style, riding her first Saturday metropolitan winner for Sydney's premier stable.

The prolific country apprentice recently joined Kris Lees at Newcastle but it was Chris Waller who provided her with her milestone win on Beyond Thankful in the Alconex Fire Handicap (2000m).

And the 21-year-old got to demonstrate her strength as well as her talent with Beyond Thankful ($6.50) prevailing in a three-way photo finish with Plutorius ($6.50) and Darci Magic ($8.50).

"He hit the front easily but didn't really want to be there," Clenton said.

"I wasn't sure of the finish. It was pretty tight.

"He relaxed beautifully. I studied his form and he has over-raced a few times before so I made sure he was happy."

While thrilled with the win, Clenton said she was not overawed by her first ride for Waller.

"I try to stay as level headed as I can," she said.

"If I get nervous I won't ride as well."

Beyond Thankful's win brought up a double for Waller from the first two races after Dupe `Em won the 1100-metre race for three-year-olds.