Ridden by Zac Spain, the 14-1 chance stormed home to beat Sin to Win by a head with race favourite Call Me Handsome finishing third.

Trainer Stuart Gower said the victory was reward for a loyal group of owners including former Carlton premiership player Val Perovic.

"We wanted to try and earmark a couple of these country cups because a lot of Victorian boys own him," Gower said. "It's nine hours to get here but it's well worth the result.

"He's a great horse and is peaking at the right time and what a gem of a ride by Zac.

"He rode him to instructions and got out at the right time."

Silent Warrior, who won last year's Stawell Cup, is now expected to target the Yarra Valley Cup later this month.

Spain said the five-year-old had plenty of talent.

"He's super tough," he said.

"He relaxed in behind them and I thought he did his best work late."

Meanwhile, stewards and jockeys inspected the track earlier in the day following remedial work at the 1400m mark.