New Zealand steeplechaser Lucky Tonight found his winning groove at Pakenham, proving too good for his rivals in the E-Cycle Solutions Steeplechase (3200m) to show he is on track for the Warrnambool carnival.

The Shelley Houston-trained jumper had gone winless since September 2014, but has proved a good money spinner for his connections, having banked nearly $200,000.

Often a bridesmaid, Lucky Tonight has placed second in nine career starts, including on four consecutive occasions last year.

The Cambridge jumper finished second in the $A350,000 Grand National Steeplechase and the $A125,000 Crisp Steeplechase, and both races are likely to be on the agenda again this season.

"It's nice to see him get a win," Houston said. "He's run some pretty nice races and he is a horse that puts in every time he goes out there."

Houston said Lucky Tonight was more forward than in previous seasons.

"He's done plenty of groundwork and had the two runs on the flat back in New Zealand before we came over."

Lucky Tonight is now likely to head straight to the $A300,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool on May 4, and will bypass the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) on the first day of the three-day carnival.

"A horse like Zed Em is likely to be too quick for him in the Brierly," Houston said.

"If he gets a fair track on the final day, you'd like to think he would be around the mark in the Grand Annual."