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Remind me next time

Talk to most punters leading into Cheltenham and the idea of just getting a winner appeals much more than where it hails from. In recent times, however, the Prestbury Cup has added a new dimension to the Festival for some.

The premise is simple: horses trained in Britain versus those trained in Ireland – four days, 28 races; first past 14 wins the cup.

It is an interesting aside that adds further to this four-day extravaganza in the Cotswolds and, if you are so inclined, can be followed more vigorously having taken the Easyodds odds on either Britain or Ireland to come out on top.

It is one way of having an interest in 28 Cheltenham Festival races, whilst not necessarily dipping into the coffers every time.

And of course, it is a good opportunity to bring out the good old-fashioned patriotism inside, sharing in the joy of your fellow countrymen (and women).

Elliott the man in form

Gordon Elliott to be leading trainer at Cheltenham Festival @ 2/1 - BET NOW

While the official Prestbury Cup is a relatively new initiative, scores have long been kept between Britain, the traditional home team, and the raiding party from Ireland.

The number of races at the Festival has increased of course in modern times with the arrival of a fourth day, but Ireland set a new benchmark with nine winners in 2009 and they have, generally, been building since.

There is a power-shift in Ireland's favour recently with leading owners like Gigginstown House, Rich Ricci and Graham Wylie leading the charge. Ireland's most recent Cheltenham Festival returns are: 14, 12, 13, 15 and – last year – a mammoth 19 wins from 28 races that gave them a landslide win over their British rivals.

That charge was led by Gordon Elliott, the pre-eminent trainer for powerhouse owners Gigginstown.

He saddled six winners and was crowned leading trainer ahead of Willie Mullins, who was aiming for a fifth straight gong in that race.

Elliott and Mullins will front the Irish challenge again in 2018 and, despite being second choice in the Easyodds betting for Cheltenham honours, Elliott is holding sway over Mullins at home this season and is on course to be Ireland's champion trainer for the first time.

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More history for Henderson

Might Bite to win Cheltenham Gold Cup @ 7/2 - BET NOW

If Britain is going to overhaul Ireland this year, then Nicky Henderson will have a massive role to play. The Seven Barrows handler dethroned Paul Nicholls as champion jumps trainer in Britain last season and has a remarkable team at his disposal right now.

Henderson has won more Cheltenham Festival races than any other trainer during his stunning career but this year could be his finest to date.

The Lambourn ace has solid claims of becoming the first trainer to leave Cheltenham having won the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Gold Cup in one sitting – essentially the crown jewels of the Cotswolds.

Buveur D'air is 4/7 to retain his crown in the Champion Hurdle while unbeaten jumper Altior is the one everyone has to beat in the Queen Mother. Might Bite meanwhile is sure to feature in the Easyodds tips when Gold Cup day rolls around on March 16.

He was quirky a year ago in landing the RSA Chase, and some will prefer to adopt a 'seeing is believing' attitude when it comes to his ability to run straight up the Cheltenham hill, but the King George winner has been more or less faultless since last March.

Ireland had the Gold Cup winner in Sizing John last time around. He'll be back, currently best priced at 6/1, for Jessica Harrington this time. If things are tight between Britain and Ireland, Sizing John vs. Might Bite in the Gold Cup could be a pivotal clash.

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Beat The Banker

Samcro to win the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle @ 4/5 - BET NOW

As Festival Fever grows, the battle between Ireland and Britain may hinge on the fate of the famed 'Festival Bankers', those horses that are much-touted coming to the meeting and likely to carry significant punters’ money on their backs.

The aforementioned Altior, along with stablemate and unbeaten filly Apple's Shakira (11/4) in the Triumph Hurdle for Henderson, are amongst the leading British contenders for such a tag.

Few horses this season have generated as many column inches as the impressive novice hurdler Samcro. He's won his three races this term with contempt for his rivals and has been aimed at the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle on March 14.

He could be a Gold Cup horse of the future if the hype is proved correct but, for now, he looks very likely to be Ireland's 'Cheltenham Banker' this season. Can he deliver on the biggest stage of all?

Footpad in the Racing Post Arkle is another much-vaunted challenger from the Emerald Isle that will be expected to perform at 5/4.

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