Despite proving friendless in the market, the Gordon Elliott trained Clodders Dream proved far too strong for the opposition when easily winning the Aisling Kennedy Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Having his first start since December, the six-year-old was initially chalked up at 9/4 but with punters ignoring his claims, the gelding was allowed take a walk in the market all the way out to 13/2.

Prominent throughout under Sam Ewing, the eventual winner headed long time leader High City Roller before two out, quickly powering clear to score by 11 lengths from Secrecies Of Stone

Stepping up to 2m3f was clearly beneficial, as the Elliott trained horse had looked in need of further when third at Limerick over Christmas.

Sam Ewing said: “He’d a nice run at Christmas and had a bit of a break. He enjoyed that ground today.

“The form of that third at Limerick has worked out well.

“It’s his first run in a while and the way he’s done that today he’s open to a lot of improvement. I’d expect him to step forward a lot.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.