Mick Price was offering no excuses for the defeat of Lankan Rupee in the Group 2 Mitty’s McEwan Stakes.

Price was more stunned than anything else, as so many racegoers were; it looked a case of just having to go around to collect.

As it turned out the gelding didn’t dent his reputation, merely a small scratch that can easily be erased and soon forgotten.

Lankan Rupee appeared to win the start from the outside gate, however, it didn’t take long for Eloping to reach the lead and keep the favourite wide.

Once Lankan Rupee hit the front on the home turn, it looked all over bar the shouting, until Angelic Light appeared on the scene, charging down the outside with the winning margin no more than a short lip.

The win was a huge thrill for the mare’s trainer, Robbie Griffiths; it was the one he so richly deserved after being stricken down with a serious illness a few years ago.

He purchased Angelic Light, more on type than pedigree, she was $30,000 as a yearling, the Group 2 didn’t do her any harm either, she will have a much higher price tag on her now after the win

Angelic Light and Lankan Rupee are likely to lock horns again in the Group 1 Moir Stakes in three weeks time, again at Moonee Valley

Angelic Light ridden by Ryan Maloney