The mare showed real potential in the Powers Gold Label Championship Handicap Hurdle when she led before the final hurdle and put the issue beyond doubt early on the run-in to cosily hold off Studmaster by three lengths. Crack claimer Robbie Moran did a good job getting his partner on the straight and narrow on that occasion and is again likely to be on board for the Pierse. This is a useful ace for Nolan to have up his sleeve as Moran clearly gets on well with Escrea.

Won last year by Essex, the Pierse Handicap is never an easy race to assess given its perennial white-hot competitiveness. That said, Nolan's charge stands head and shoulders above most of her rivals this year, particularly given her impressive record at Leopardstown. Escrea has won four times in 17 starts over obstacles with three of them coming at Leopardstown (twice over two miles and once over two miles and two furlongs).

Although soft ground will be crucial if she is to do herself justice, the daughter of Oscar has the scope and versatility to be adept even when conditions are not in her favour. While her victory last time out was eye-catching, the mare's seasonal debut was arguably as impressive in light of the horses she chased home at Fairyhouse early in December.

Clearly needing the run . . . it was her first outing since May . . . Escrea stuck to her task in pleasing style to finish fourth in the Ladbrokes. ie Handicap Hurdle, eight lengths in arrears of the unbeaten Feathard Lady. The winner of that race has gone on to bigger and better things, with Cheltenham Festival glory now a distinct possibility.

Although Escrea is not of that class, Nolan still looks to have unearthed another topdrawer hurdler from his burgeoning stable in Wexford. To that end, Paddy Power's offer of 7-1 about her winning the Pierse should be snapped up ante-post-haste, as it were.