Twenty-two-year-old hoop Harry Coffey continued to defy the odds and add to his fairy tale career in the saddle saluting in his first Group 1 race with a 10/10 ride aboard the Darren Weir-trained Sopressa in the Australasian Oaks 2018 in Adelaide.

Trainer Darren Weir celebrated his second Australasian Oaks win in 2018 with Sopressa (pictured) saluting at Morphettville Racecourse. Photo: Jenny Barnes.

The young jockey, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, rewarded the continued support of family friend Weir handing Victoria’s premier trainer with success at Morphettville Racecourse in the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Australasian Oaks (2000m).

“It means a lot and my family would be so prod,” an emotional Coffey said post-win.

A one-time favourite in Australasian Oaks betting, well-bred So You Think filly Sopressa eased out to $6.50 in an open market come jump time despite her barnstorming four and a quarter-length lead-up win at the track in the Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m) on April 21.

Sopressa and Coffey franked that form and made it three-from-three together in the Australasian Oaks, Weir winning the race for the second time after his 2014 win with May’s Dream.

“It’s fantastic,” Weir said.

“It’s a dream come true for Harry and also for myself to be able to give Harry his first Group 1 winner.

“It’s an amazing story, I’m so happy for Harry.”

Having won the Auraria Stakes from barrier one, Sopressa relished the inside gate again and was quick out in the Group 1 settling fourth the rails.

After the fillies settled, the Australasian Oaks field was led around by Tony McEvoy’s last start ATC Oaks fourth placegetter Bring Me Roses.

She got the front running from Weir’s in-form Think Bleue who jockey John Allen whipped right around from the wide gate to settle second ahead of Pretty To Sea running third ahead of Sopressa on the rails.

Think Bleue eventually went into the clear by the 1300m from Brine Me Roses, while Savacool after getting caught deep went forward into third.

The tempo backed right off mid race, suiting Sopressa who was getting that beautiful run the rails fourth throughout.

Sopressa quickly came for her stablemate Think Bleue once on the straight and with 100m left to travel she pushed forward.

On the line Sopressa had a quarter-length to spare over fellow Victorian raider Sheezdashing ($16) who made up all the ground from the back of the field to run second.

Mick Price’s Sebring filly Miss Admiration ($26) rounded out the all Melbourne-trained Australasian Oaks trifecta in third again on the back of an ATC Oaks third in a brave run after she got caught up in the stalls pre-race before being passed fit.

Sopressa now looks a chance to head to Brisbane on May 26 at Doomben Racecourse for a shot at the Group 1 $500,000 Queensland Oaks (2200m).

Egg Tart (2017) did the Schweppes Oaks – Queensland Oaks double last winter and Sopressa currently pays $10 in all-in Queensland Oaks odds at Ladbrokes.com.au to emulate the feat.

2018 Australasian Oaks Results & Finishing Order

Morphettville Race 6 – 05/05/2018