The three-year-old gelding is still finding his way in the racing game but showed Jones has got something to work with when taking out the Kings Hall Jewellers Maiden Handicap (1300m).

One major thing Waverton Lad hasn't come to terms with early in his career is leading a race, so Jones made a point of telling jockey Grant Buckley to bide his time before swooping late.

That's just what happened to and despite seemingly no-one want to lead for much of the trip, Buckley waited to launch down the straight and overhaul Garryn Lunn's Vonnegutesque ($7) on the line.

"He's still learning, this bloke. He's a bit nervy and uptight," Jones told Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win.

"He's got to learn to settle down and Grant rode him a treat. He did just what he was told. If you get there (to the lead) early he tends to lose interest and he can take a fair bit of riding at the end but when the penny drops he'll be a nice horse."

Coming off a handy second-placed finish at Parkes last start, Waverton Lad was a little flustered in the yard before jumping out a $7.50 chance.

In cold and overcast conditions the field strung out quickly, Waverton Lad jumped out well from gate eight but there was little movement in the leading pack as no-one made an early move.

Jake Pracey-Holmes soon did, having a look around before urging Vonnegutesque on as the field began to string out.

Buckley and Waverton Lad stalked the leader while Agent King ($2.90) soon became to move from deep in the field.

But Buckley urged Jones' hope on and they lunged late to win by a quarter-of-a-length from Vonnegutesque, while the favourite finished third.

"I told him (Buckley) not too lead because he's a better horse when he's allowed to settle and get home," Jones reiterated.

"When he leads he gets lost in front so that was the idea."

Jones added a spell is now likely for Waverton Lad.