O’Brien: Handicap mark for Dysart Enos means we have to give it a go

Fergal O’Brien felt the handicap mark allotted to was too good to pass up, which is why she will reappear in the Unibet Hurdle on Sunday rather than in graded company.

The unbeaten mare was among the favourites for the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at last season’s Festival, but a late setback prevented her from turning up.

Connections decided to be patient, rather than rush her back for Aintree or Punchestown, and it means the handicapper has been unable to have a proper look at her given she has not run in a graded race over hurdles yet.

She did, though, beat Golden Ace by nine lengths in a Grade Two bumper at Aintree the year before, and she went on to win the Dawn Run in March.

“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 told BresBet.

“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.”

With regular rider Paddy Brennan now retired, O’Brien’s new stable jockey Jonathan Burke will take the ride.