Ad Caelum and Sean O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
The lowest rated runner in the line-up on a mark of 95, the easy to back Ad Caelum (15/2 from 4s) got the better of her six rivals in the Racing Again December 21st Mares Handicap Hurdle.
Starting off in handicap company this afternoon, the John Ryan-trained five-year-old tracked the leaders under Sean O'Keeffe, taking closer order from three out.
Improving to the front before two out, she kept on well when ridden away from the last, holding off the effort of Inchiquin Star (10/1) by three lengths.
Returned the 2/1 favourite, Fillusin finished a disappointing sixth under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott.
"She is a well-bred mare, has a mix of both Flat and jumps pedigrees and is from the last crop of Cloudings," Ryan commented.
"She is typical of her sire and is as honest as they come, If the rain didn't come today she wouldn't have won as the ground is a lot slower now.
"She is a big strong mare and when she gets soft ground and three miles over fences, will be a good mare. She is an exciting mare and could show up in a rated novice before Christmas."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
