"We want to exploit it" - O'Brien confident ahead of Dysart Enos' Greatwood tilt

Much was expected of Dysart Enos during 2023/24, following her superb victory in the Mares' Bumper at the 2023 Grand National meeting. O'Brien quickly nomiated the Mares' Novices' Hurdle as the primary target for the campaign, running his star in three lesser races during the autumn and winter, to avoid a winner's penalty in that Grade Two.

Sadly, an injury setback ruled Dysart Enos out of the Cheltenham Festival. O'Brien was forced to watch on as Golden Ace - who Dysart Enos beat by nine lengths at Aintree - went on to beat Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy in the 2023 Mares' Novices' Hurdle, and soft ground at this year's Grand National meeting prevented Fergal's mare from running in the Grade One Top Novices' Hurdle.

As soon as the betting for Sunday's Greatwood Handicap Hurdle opened, Dysart Enos topped the market. O'Brien's mare remains the firm favourite to win and Fergal revealed to the press this week that the Greatwood has been the plan for some time.

"I'm hoping she can and do herself justice and payback the owners' great patience with her." O'Brien said. "I think she's pretty versatile in terms of ground and that's why it felt fine planning that far ahead. This was the plan ever since we got such a nice mark and we want to exploit it."

"This would definitely be one of the best, it's a huge handicap, a massive prize and a very prestigious race. If we could pull it off on the back of a novice run and first time back, it'd be a great achievement. That would be no more than the horse and the owners deserve though."

James Owen's Grade Two winner, Burdett Road sits second in the Greatwood betting, just ahead of Imperial Cup winner Go Dante. Yet, many feel that Dysart Enos will take plenty of beating and O'Brien has prepped his stable star well for this assignment.

"She's done loads of work and we're very happy with her." Fergal continued. "It's a big ask going from a novice to a top handicap but we won't have any excuses. It's a great starting point, off a nice mark and we'll go from there."

"I suppose there is (unfinished business at Cheltenham). That's all behind us now and I'm a positive person so I'm looking forward not back. We can't change the past but I'm hoping for a big run on Sunday so then we can go forward."