Dysart Enos out to take advantage of kind mark in big handicap

Dysart Enos was expected to tackle graded company on her next outing, but Fergal O’Brien has revealed he felt the handicap mark given to her was too good to pass up, instead entering her into the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle this weekend.

At last season's Cheltenham Festival, the undefeated mare was a top contender for the Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle, yet unfortunately, a setback at the eleventh hour kept her from competing.

Rather than rushing her back for Aintree or Punchestown, Connections opted for patience. This decision has prevented the handicapper from thoroughly assessing her potential, as she has yet to compete in a graded hurdles race.

Her victory over Golden Ace by nine lengths in a Grade Two bumper at Aintree gave a glimpse of her potential before she went on to claim the Dawn Run title earlier this year.

“I’m afraid to talk about Dysart Enos because we got so close to going to Cheltenham last year and then two days before we didn’t get there,” O’Brien said.

“It is what it is, we feel off 131 we have to give it a go in a big handicap.

“I’m not sure why she’s favourite, there’s better people who know more about that than me.

“She’s in great form, she’s done loads of work. Tom Broughton, who has done all the work on her for the last couple of years, is really happy with her so if Tom is happy, I’m happy and hopefully Dysart is happy.”