Who will win the most races - Irish trainers or GB trainers?
Every year at Cheltenham, one of the underlying storylines of the Festival comes in the shape of the Prestbury Cup.
Ireland against Great Britain, in a battle between who will emerge victorious with the most winners.
With the Irish taking pride in their illustrious racing history - complete with jockeys, trainers and most importantly horses – all eyes are on how the Emerald Isle handles itself at the biggest racing event of the year.
This year is no different, with bookies pricing up Ireland as clear favourites to overcome the UK, the former can be found at 8/11 best price, compared to GB at 15/8.
In the lead up to the festival, punters have been quick to put their money where their mouth is and back Ireland to overcome GB once again.
In total, 86% of bets in the last 24 hours have backed Ireland to emerge victorious.
With the Festival coming up soon, Oddschecker took a look at three of the best storylines, for different reasons, heading into the battle for the Prestbury Cup.
Ireland’s predominant problem for GB comes in the form of Gordon Elliot-trained hope Samcro in the Supreme.
The six-year-old is heading into the Festival in sensational form, winning all of its seven races including a stunning victory at Punchestown at the start of February.
Elsewhere, last year’s Gold Cup winner Sizing John will participate in the race once again, currently third favourite to repeat the feat at 6/1 best price.
Douvan will always be a big talking point when it comes to the build up to Cheltenham, and we may finally be able to see two of the greatest horses in recent history go head-to-head in Douvan vs Altior.
He’s currently best priced 4/1 to take the spoils in the featured race, and could provide Ireland with a victory on the way to the Prestbury Cup.
Their British counterparts also have a number of headline grabbers heading into the Festival, with Might Bite leading the charge.
The nine-year-old is favourite for the Gold Cup at 4/1 best price, and acts as Britain’s best backed horse heading into the Festival.
Elsewhere, Buveur d’Air is looking to win his successive Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, following his three wins from three this year.
If successful, he would be the first horse to retain his crown since Hardy Eustace in 2005.
Finally, the aforementioned Altior will have all eyes on him as he’s set to go toe-to-toe with Douvan.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: “Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot come to the Festival with a group of horses that most trainers can only dream of training in a lifetime.
“Nicky Henderson does boast a stellar stable though, and will be leading the line for Team GB in the Prestbury Cup.”
