The Geoff Duryea-trained Magnavale ($4.60) booked her ticket to the $200,000 Wagga Town Plate (1200m) after winning the $40,000 prelude at Murrumbidgee Turf Club.

The 22-year-old sent Magnavale straight to the front and rated the mare to perfection as she held off all challengers to score by a half neck.

Wagga sprinter Forever Newyork ($15) ran a huge race to claim second, a short half head in front of $3.80 favourite Sneak Preview.

Williams, who only began race riding last October, described the victory as a career highlight.

"It probably sits in the best wins for me," Williams said.

"It was super.

"She's been a horse that I've ridden in trackwork a bit in the past so it's nice back on the horse."

Williams, who is apprenticed to Gary Colvin, is no stranger to success on big days, having enjoyed a win on Country Championships day at Goulburn in February.

With the two big days of the Wagga Gold Cup carnival just under three weeks away, Williams hopes the prelude win can help secure some nice rides.

"Definitely. It can open up those opportunities for sure," she said.

"Whether or not I keep this ride, that's up to Geoff but it definitely helps things on that front."

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Magnavale had been a model of consistency this preparation.

She won the Summer Sprint at Wagga first-up and then enjoyed placings at Flemington, Moonee Valley and the City Handicap at Albury, before breaking through again on Sunday.

It was Williams' first race ride on Magnavale and her three kilogram claim proved beneficial in the end.

"She has been good her whole preparation," Duryea said.

"She loves Wagga. The young girl rode her good. I said to her that she's press button, you'll probably lob in front but I said you've just got to use a bit of common sense, check your times and give her a chance because she'll be tough at the finish."

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