Winner for Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Grace Rafaela proved too strong for hotpot Hence in the fillies maiden at Dundalk tonight.
The Ballydoyle filly was sent off a 4/7 shot to win on her second start after a promising debut at Cork.
The Michael O'Callaghan-trained winner was produced to lead two furlongs from home by Pat Smullen in the seven furlong contest.
Hence moved up menacingly over a furlong out but couldn't find a way past the Dragon Pulse filly, who went on to record a length-and-three-quarters success.
The winner had been third on her debut at Naas in late June.
“She's a lovely filly. Looking at Aidan's fillies' first run and the confidence behind her coming into the race I thought I was going to have to play second fiddle,” said O'Callaghan.
“We've always thought a lot of her and the nice ground is the key to her as she has a lovely action, she has no knee action.
“She's a fine big quality filly and anything she does this year is a bonus.
“We don't know where we are going to go with her next. Today was the big job, to get her maiden out of the way, and she's done it well. Pat really likes her.
“She has an entry in the Moyglare but I wouldn't imagine an ease in the ground would be to her liking.
“We'll see how she comes out of it and make a plan from there.”
