Doyle hoping for Kiln success

Tom Doyle believes Sweet Kiln has plenty in her favour as she seeks to give the Bowe family a popular first winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Michael Bowe-trained nine-year-old is a leading fancy for the inaugural running of the David Nicholson Mares Only Hurdle on Friday and bids to succeed where the likes of Limestone Lad and Solerina failed.

"It´s a meeting all jockeys want to ride winners at," Doyle said. "The Bowes have won every big hurdle race in Ireland and it would be great for them to have a Cheltenham Festival winner, they have come close before.

"She´s in good form, she´s had a little break and the conditions of the race suit her well. She has improved no end from last year and undoubtedly her best run was her second to Aitmatov in a Grade One.

"I don´t think the ground will make much difference and two miles and five around Cheltenham will be tailor-made for her."

Limestone Lad and Solerina were famous for their gutsy front-running performances and although Sweet Kiln has often done the same, she can be flexible in that regard.

Doyle told At The Races: "There looks to be quite a bit of pace in the race, she doesn´t have to make it, she can settle or make her own pace.

"Chomba Womba has looked very good in England, I´m not sure what she´s beaten but she´s with the right trainer and they are very keen on her, so she´s something to be fearful of."

Doyle has a sound chance earlier in the week with the Dusty Sheehy-trained Trafford Lad in the Ballymore Properties Novices´ Hurdle on Wednesday.

He said: "His form is very solid, he´s progressed hugely from each run. I´m hoping he will improve again and Cheltenham should suit him.

"He would want decent ground, I´m not saying he wouldn´t handle it softer but good ground would be a major plus for him."