Manatassee had finished as the runner-up in three of her five career starts prior to her maiden success in the first at Thoroughbred Park on Friday.

Apprentice hoop James Innes jnr steered the four-year-old to her first win, but admitted he was anxious in the lead-up that his mount was going to miss out again with two Sydney-trained gallopers lining up in the race.

Both David Vandyke and John O'Shea had entries in the Maiden Plate (1000m), and it was Vandyke's Nusrah which Innes was most concerned about.

"I was a bit worried about (jockey) Jason Collet's horse (Nusrah)," Innes said.

"You always have to be a bit wary of any of those gallopers from Vandyke's stable."

Nusrah was indeed Manatassee's biggest threat, though he ended up finishing 4-3/4 lengths off the locally trained thoroughbred.

"We jumped nicely and got to the front," the young apprentice said.

"She kicked home strongly on the straight, and was too strong for them."

Innes's victory aboard Manatassee Friday has all but assured him of taking out this season's Canberra Apprentice's Premiership award.

The young hoop has won on 10 occasions this season, along with nine-and-a-half second placings and seven thirds.

Innes's biggest threat for the premiership, Carly Frater, also got a winner at Canberra on Friday, though she still sits six wins off Innes with four victories, and has had fewer minor place finishes.There are five scheduled meetings remaining at Thoroughbred Park this season.