Apprentice Tommy Sherry has celebrated his most significant win with a deft ride aboard Expat in the Millie Fox Stakes for his boss Mark Newnham.

The mare had to do some work early to get to the front but she relaxed beautifully once there and was able to lift when challenged late by Belluci Babe to post her eighth win from 13 starts.

It was Sherry’s first victory at Group 2 level and he is hopeful Expat can gain a berth in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill in three weeks to give him a shot at his maiden Group 1.

“I’m rapt. I have ridden two Group Threes but on provincial tracks, so it’s my first Group Two and on a metropolitan track, which I’m stoked about,” Sherry said.

“She still had a blow the last 50 and just toughness got her through the line.

“She is in terrific order and roll on three weeks to the Coolmore. If she gets in, I reckon she is a force to be reckoned with.”

Newnham was equally effusive in his praise for Expat and said her racing style and ability to put herself on speed and then relax was her biggest asset.

Having captured the Belle Of The Turf Stakes at Gosford over a mile in the summer, he is confident she will handle the 1500 metres of the Coolmore around Rosehill, especially if the track is wet.

“I think she deserves a crack at the Coolmore Classic now,” Newnham said.

“She has been a gem and every time we have raised the bar, she has come to it.

“You never quite know what ceiling they have, and when they respond as well as she does under pressure, they tend to get in better races and come up with the class of horse.”

Last year’s Coolmore Classic winner Krone finished fourth with jockey William Pike saying she found the line nicely late.

EXPAT LIFTS!She does the punters proud in the Millie Fox, while Tommy Sherry secures a Group 2 victory!