Misty Lady can notch another victory in valuable event

2.55 Naas
Paddy Osborne Memorial Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle | 4yo+ |
2m4f | ATR

Misty Lady, who has won handicaps from 2m to 3m, will be bidding for a sixth hurdles win in this valuable event which commemorates Paddy Osborne – trainer of Brown Lad in the early days of the triple Irish Grand National winner's career who won the Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle in 1974.

The John Cullen-trained mare, the mount of Mark Enright, is a course winner over 2m and finished second in a 3m handicap at Gowran Park on her most recent start last month.

She faces 14 rivals with the weights being headed by Master Appeal, a four-time hurdles winner who was successful over today's trip at Punchestown last month.

Aspen Colorado and Sir Scorpion represent JP McManus. Barry Geraghty partners the Joseph O'Brien-trained Aspen Colorado, who is making his handicap debut having finished second in a novice event at Galway on his most recent start, while Mark Walsh rides Sir Scorpion, who finished second in a handicap at the Listowel festival in September.

In addition to Master Appeal, Emcon, Little Haarth, Whizzzey Rascal and Ballyadam Brook, at 12 the veteran of the party, have all won over the distance.

What they say

John Kiely, trainer of Master Appeal
We're hoping he'll give a good account but he's got top weight (11st 9lb) and could be too high as he isn't a big horse.

John Cullen, trainer of Misty Lady
I'm happy with her. I think she's in the same sort of form as she was when she ran second at Gowran Park last time and, if she is, then she should run a big race.

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Aspen Colorado and Sir Scorpion
Aspen Colorado was a bit disappointing at Galway last time when he was never on the bridle. He's in good form and we hope and think going up in trip will suit him. Sir Scorpion ran a blinder when second at Listowel where he came up against a well-handicapped horse. He's in good form.

Des McDonogh, trainer of Little Haarth
He's in good form and on his best form he'd have a chance. I'm looking forward to the race as I think the trip and the track will suit.

Charles Byrnes, trainer of Crystal Pearl
She didn't have much luck in running at Cheltenham last time and we're hoping for better this time although it looks very competitive. We're claiming 7lb and hoping that will help.

Terence O'Brien, trainer of Ballyadam Brook
He's in great form and I think two and a half miles probably suits him better than two miles at this stage of his career. He likes to front run and he'll keep them honest.

Liz Doyle, trainer of Whizzzey Rascal
We're dropping her back from three miles to the trip over which she won her maiden hurdle. The ground will suit and we'll be positive with her. We're hoping she'll be placed.