Sport
12 June, 2024
Soopat claims Coppermarket in a nailbiting finish
The Barcadline galloper is building a handy record in the Outback.
Emerging bush sprinter Soopat has claimed his first feature race after holding off local hope The Brotherhood in the Coppermarket (1100m) on Saturday.
There was no shortage of pace in the $15,000 event and Soopat was first out of the gates before a speed battle emerged and forced jockey Corey Bayliss to drop back to fourth – albeit three-wide.
Meanwhile, as the Tanya Parry long-shot Zumikon led, the Bob Burow-trained The Brotherhood was getting the run of the race in second place.
Jason Hoopert made his move at the 600m mark and quickly found the front, only to have Soopat soon breathing down his neck.
As they entered the straight, the local runner had a length up his sleeve, but Bayliss was able to lift his mount in the closing stages to win a nailbiter, claiming the race by a half-length on the line.
It was his second win at Mount Isa from five starts, although he had finished in the placings on every other occasion.
Since arriving at the stables of Bevan “Billy” Johnson last year, Soopat has been a consistent type, winning four races with six second placings and a third.
After opening at $8 in the ring, Soopat started $6 when winning his first race in open company.
The Brotherhood opened as one of the favourites before drifting in the market late, and is building a reputation as a bridesmaid, having finished second in three of his last four races.
Rounding out the placings was the Melissa Bieri-trained outsider Last Descend, while favourite Rebel Salute finished fifth.