The winning margin was about as close as you get at the end of 3200 metres, with Purple Smile, getting the last stride in, to win the Adelaide Cup by a short head from Tunes, who made much of the early running, with the favourite, Real Love, a long neck away in third place.

Wales and Tunes led the field for much of the trip, the favourite, Real Love, was drifting back into the ruck, she was almost last, with just three or four horses behind her, whilst the ultimate winner, Purple Smile, was in the middle of the field.

Positions rarely alter in 3200 metre races to any great extent, until the 800 metres is reached jockeys begin angling for runs, the pressure is really on from there.

Tunes was giving a great sight, he still held sway and Brad Rawiller had worked Real Love into a favourable position, she was fourth and was a real chance from there.

She failed to run on as expected, she simply plugged away, the spark had deserted her, and she tried hard against the odds.

Just as Tunes was being hailed the winner, along came Purple Smile, like a bolt from the blue, and snatched the prize in the very last stride.

Winning jockey, Stephen Baster, was seen at his best, all smiles, a wonderful ride after what was a disappointing day at Flemington on Saturday .

Another great 3200 metres triumph for Zabeel, the sire of Purple Smile.