Plains Indian soars over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Plains Indian justified odds-on quotes with a comprehensive victory in Clonmel's Fourmilewater Maiden Hurdle.
The 1/2 favourite raced close up and jumped into the lead for Cian Quirke at the third last. God Help Us kept tabs on him but the 'jolly' was going much the better of the pair straightening for home.
He tanked clear of God Help Us in the final two furlongs and jumped the second last with a commanding advantage. Layla's Daffodil came through in second but hit it hard and had no chance of catching the winner.
Palains Indian put in an exuberant leap at the last and ran on well to score by 16 lengths from 20/1 Layla's Daffodil. Rose Of Kalanisi (66/1) completed the placings in third.
Andy Slattery said: "It is a bit of compensation for the last day and we'll got for a 2m3f Grade B at Cork over Easter. There are also races for him at Punchestown and we'll tip away and see how he gets on.
"At least the handicapper can't touch him because he is was the highest rated in the race and it was a good confidence booster for him. He is a fair horse and as long as the ground isn't too quick he'll keep going for the summer.
"Cian is with me and is a good lad. He works hard and deserves his chance and it wasn't his fault the last day."
He added: "My Flat horses are good and forward and are working well, so I am expecting good runs this weekend. We're flat out."
Plains Indian fell at the last when holding a narrow advantage in a maiden hurdle at this track in early March.
Among his back form was a 12-length second behind subsequent County Hurdle winner State Man in a maiden hurdle at Limerick last month.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
