Sunshine In Paris delivered a thrilling performance to snatch victory from Rothfire in the dying moments of the Doomben 10,000 (1200m), marking her third Group 1 triumph and a first at the top level for training partners Annabel and Rob Archibald.

The talented mare had endured frustrating luck throughout the autumn with poor barriers and wide runs, and again drew wide on Saturday. But under a cool ride from James McDonald, she produced a devastating turn of foot to deny Rothfire a fairytale result.

“I am just so pleased for Sunshine In Paris. She has been great all prep but she just hasn’t had a great draw and I am so happy that it worked out today,” said Rob Archibald.

“(Owners) John and Deb (Camilleri) for being brave enough and supportive today to run her on a track that probably isn’t her best.

“Annabel back home, I know she would be cheering very loudly. She loves this mare, as does everyone that is involved with her.”

Despite an unflattering record on heavy tracks, Sunshine In Paris adapted well to Saturday’s conditions, adding another major victory to her record which includes the 2023 Surround Stakes and last year’s Champions Sprint.

McDonald, riding her for the first time since her Flemington win, was full of praise for both the mare and her brave rival Rothfire.

“He was as tough as they come,” McDonald said.

“I was worried at the furlong I wasn’t going to get to him but he probably had a little bit tougher run than what we did and my mare kept surging.

“But credit to him. He gave me a hell of a fright.”

Brisbane roughie Payline ran out of his skin to grab third at odds of $51, rounding out a compelling edition of the Group 1 sprint.

Fans can follow Sunshine In Paris’s next Group 1 campaign and secure early odds via leading Australian betting sites.