Excelli in full stride at Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Excelli defied top weight as he quickened away from his rivals in good style to take the mile handicap at Dundalk.
Michael Hussey settled him just behind the pace-setting Equation Of Time before the pair battled their way to the front a furlong and a half from home.
Excelli picked up well and moved clear a furlong out. He maintained the gallop and closed the race out by two lengths.
The winner was returned at 9/2 having opened at 11/2. The runner-up, In The Dark was heavily backed before racing from 7s to 3/1. At the money continued to be put on as he shortened to 11/4 favourite from 7/2.
He went second inside the final furlong but made no impression on Excelli. Skerray Rules was a neck further away in third at 6/1.
The winner was trained by Aidan Howard.
