Conceding race-fitness to her chief market rivals, Henry De Bromhead's classy mare - sent off at 4/11 - made her move approaching the second-last flight and toughed it out from that point to eventually win by just half a length from Ronald Pump (11/1), who was flashing home late in the piece.
Third went to the up in class Beacon Edge, who ran a very good race and gave the 4/11 favourite most to think about through the final mile of the Grade 1 contest.
Honeysuckle was was stretching her unbeaten record under Rules to nine - which now includes five Grade Ones - and Sky Bet, Paddy Power and Betfair all make her 3/1 to repeat last season's success in the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next March.
She's a best-priced 16/1 for the Stan James Champion Hurdle with Betfair.
De Bromhead said: “The winning run continues – she’s just brilliant, tough as.
“Rachael said they really sprinted up the straight, and she had a little blow at the third last, so she’ll come on plenty for it – I’m delighted with the run.
“She just has the real will to win and she toughed it out well. Whe didn’t win as he odds suggested, but she toughed it out well.
“It was her first run since March – and starting back in a Grade One, you want to have them as fit as you can get them but (also) bearing in mind there’s a long season ahead of you.
“Last year we went for a conditions hurdle before this, so I’m delighted she’s won, and hopefully she’ll step forward for it.
“I think we’re planning on the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in February – same as last year – and then we’ll see, but I’m delighted to win today.
“It’s possible she showed more speed today, they went slow enough, and Rachael said she really sprinted over the last two.
“I didn’t actually see Epatante yesterday, so that wouldn’t put me off the Champion Hurdle, but we’ll just focus on our mare and see how it all unfolds. At the moment, we’re aiming for the Irish Champion Hurdle and then reassess.”
Blackmore said: “She was brilliant, and it’s great to get her back to do that today. She was coming into this without a prep run this season, and it’s a great result for everyone in the yard.
“She was jumping her hurdles a bit better today and is maturing.
“She might have been just feeling it a bit on her first run after the last, but she gets the job done every day. She’s very special, and I’m lucky to be getting the leg up on her.”
