Real Love showed she is on track for the Adelaide Cup with a hard-fought victory at Flemington.

Raced by Perth owners Bob and Sandra Peters, Real Love was sent to the Darren Weir stable to win the Adelaide Cup.

That target moved a step closer with victory in the Roy Higgins Quality over 2600m on Saturday.

However, the mare is now liable for a penalty. She has 55.5kg for the 3200m race on March 14.

Ridden by Brad Rawiller, Real Love ($2.70) scored by a neck from Dandy Gent ($21) with Black Jag ($13) 2-3/4 lengths away third.

Weir said the daughter of Desert King had made steady progress since arriving at his stables.

"She got a lovely ride from Brad today," Weir said.

"At the furlong I thought the other horse was going to run past her but she toughed it out really well.

"The two miles won't be a trouble the way she ran through the line there."

Weir said Real Love was among nominations for the Sydney Cup but his focus had been on winning the Adelaide Cup.

Rawiller said Real Love was there to be beaten by the runner-up after Dandy Gent got on terms at the 200m.

"Her toughness shone through," Rawiller said.