An opal miner who also dabbles in lobster fishing got lucky in another business when Out Of Coober scored a shock win at Caulfield on Saturday.

Out Of Coober, a galloper who had performed only moderately in Adelaide at his three runs before winning this month's Mildura Cup, overwhelmed his opponents in the Tile Importer Handicap (1400m).

The victory was greeted by stunned silence at Caulfield, except for the cheers of part-owner Geoff Saunders who named the horse after the South Australian opal mining centre of Coober Pedy.

For the rest it was a swift end to the quadrella as the $51 chance powered to the line three-quarters of a length clear of Mouro ($7.50).

Brian's Honour ($31) claimed third, a half-neck further back.

As unwanted as Out Of Coober was among the rank and file at Caulfield, it has been a different story for his trainer Bill Smart.

The astute horseman paid only $3800 for the horse as a yearling in Adelaide, having chosen him for the most fundamental reasons in the game.

"I liked his pedigree and he looked like a good type of horse," Smart said.

While Smart fancied Out Of Coober's chances early in the week, his enthusiasm waned on Saturday.

"I gave him a real good chance until the rain came, I didn't know how he'd handle it," he said.

The win has encouraged Smart and connections to back up Out Of Coober next Friday night at Moonee Valley.