Apprentice Brandon Stockdale showed experience beyond his years in winning his first race at Flemington on Saturday.

Bon Rocket's saddle shifted as the field settled in the Young Members' Ball Handicap, putting 16 year-old Stockdale at a disadvantage.

When Stockdale asked Bon Hoffa to extend in the straight, the saddle shifted back to its right place, allowing Stockdale to get the best out of the four-year-old.

Stockdale, who has been race riding for less than a year, notched his 28th career victory and his third at metropolitan level.

Leading throughout, Bon Hoffa ($18) scored by a short half-head over Bradman ($26) with Mihany ($6.50) a long head away third.

"I wanted to have a sit behind the pace but I couldn't do much about the situation we were in so I just tried to get him to settle as best I could without pulling on him too much," Stockdale said.

"It (the saddle) ended up slipping back when I started asking him for an effort after I had tried to push it back earlier."

Winning trainer Wendy Kelly said Stockdale has the attributes to become a leading jockey.

"I said after he won on I'm Ablaze at Cranbourne that this kid is a gun rider," Kelly said.

"He's going to a champion as an apprentice and as a senior rider."