Rothfire came agonisingly close to pulling off a memorable win in the Doomben 10,000 (1200m), only to be denied in the final strides by Sunshine In Paris, who claimed her third Group 1 victory with a stunning late burst.

The victory marked a significant milestone for trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald, delivering their first major win since tying the knot. Sunshine In Paris had endured poor luck with wide barriers throughout her campaign, and once again jumped from a tricky draw, but showed her class as James McDonald produced a perfectly timed run to claim Rothfire right at the finish.

“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,” Rob Archibald said.

“(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.”

The mare had been unplaced in two previous heavy track attempts but rose to the challenge on Saturday, adding the Doomben 10,000 to her Group 1 tally which includes the 2023 Surround Stakes and Champions Sprint at Flemington.

James McDonald, who last partnered Sunshine In Paris in her Melbourne triumph, was thrilled to reunite with the mare and acknowledged both her courage and Rothfire’s gritty effort in defeat.

“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.”

Local outsider Payline also produced a remarkable run at $51 to snare third, rounding out an exciting finish in one of Brisbane’s premier sprint races.

Punters can explore future markets for Sunshine In Paris and other Group 1 contenders via trusted Australian betting sites.