A perfectly executed program by Warrnambool trainer Aaron Purcell saw consistent mare Spirit Song claim her second straight Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley tonight.

Spirit Song takes out back-to-back victories in the Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia

Purcell pencilled in the Group 2 mares’ race as the five-year-old’s autumn target and she was clearly at the top of her game, justifying her $2.90 favouritism to claim a 1 1/2 length win from Lights Of Heaven and Goldslick.

Experienced jockey Craig Williams positioned the Invincible Spirit mare in second spot as Fill The Page took the lead and ensured the race would be run at a genuine tempo.

Approaching the home turn Williams made a positive move, calling on his charge who held a two-length lead entering the straight.

Spirit Song showed she was at peak fitness, powering through the line in front of a full house at Moonee Valley.

Purcell praised the honesty of a horse who has now won three times at Group level.

“I present her in these strong mares’ races and she runs well every time,” Purcell said.

“She generally puts herself in the race and if things go her way she is generally pretty hard to hold out.

“This race was her goal for this campaign. It was a good goal and she got the job done.”

Purcell said he would wait and see how Spirit Song pulls up but hasn’t ruled out a trip to Sydney for the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on April 6..

Williams said the horse was perfectly placed in the race and praised the training performance of Purcell to get her peaking at the right time.

“Aaron Purcell has done a great job and all the staff at home,” Williams said.

“This was her goal.”