Cailin not certain for Cheltenham

Leading mare Cailin Alainn is not a certain starter at Cheltenham, trainer Charles Byrnes has revealed.

On her two previous visits to Prestbury Park in 2007 she fell in consecutive starts in the Letheby and Christopher and the RSA Chases, which curtailed a winning streak of six.

Now 10, Cailin Alainn has hit form again and put in her best performance for some time by defeating the useful Glenfinn Captain in the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.

"She has been entered in the William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham, but right now we have not decided if she will be running," said Byrnes.

Cheltenham is not on the agenda for Liskennett, who was second in last year's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle but has since had just two runs.

Despite featuring in the betting for the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle, Byrnes warned: "I don't think she will be running."

Solwhit could lie in wait for the potential Champion Hurdle runners who continue their season on to Punchestown.

Although he suffered an unfortunate defeat at long odds-on just before Christmas, Charles Byrnes' five-year-old was particularly impressive in last weekend's Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran.

He defeated Jazz Messenger by three lengths and although Byrnes has reported he was planning to stay low-key this season, the Rabobank Champion Hurdle - won last year by Punjabi - could be on the agenda.

"He won't go to Cheltenham this year but we will probably wait for Punchestown and the two-mile race there," said the County Limerick-based handler.

"He's fine, and not doing much at the moment."