Class mare Sunshine In Paris narrowly overhauled Rothfire in the final strides to claim her third Group One victory in the Doomben 10,000.

The win also marked a first major for training partners Annabel and Rob Archibald, who were celebrating their recent nuptials. Sunshine In Paris atoned for a series of luckless runs in Sydney, where she had been plagued by wide draws, and faced a similar challenge in Queensland with another double-figure alley.

However, the five-year-old’s quality shone through as James McDonald guided her to a barnstorming finish down the outside to edge out Rothfire in the shadows of the post.

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

The victory in the Doomben 10,000 (1200m) added to her previous Group 1 wins in the 2023 Surround Stakes and the Champions Sprint at Flemington.

McDonald, who hadn’t ridden Sunshine In Paris since her Melbourne victory, was thrilled with her performance: “She kept surging.” He also praised Rothfire’s effort, saying, “He was as tough as they come.”

Payline ($51) ran a brilliant race to finish third, while Rothfire ($41) fought valiantly but couldn’t hold on.