Prestbury Cup odds: Britain v Ireland Cheltenham Festival betting

Rising star Dan Skelton bagged a double in 2019 but needs to transfer his fine form across the rest of the season to Prestbury Park.

Day one could set the tone, with Ireland possessing the superior strength in depth, but Britain boasting a few key contenders.

The aforementioned Constitution Hill is backed up by Seven Barrows stablemates Jonbon in the Arkle and Maries Rock, who bids to defend her Mares’ Hurdle crown.

Hermes Allen and Alan King’s Queen Mother Champion Chase fancy Edwardstone stand out for the home team on day two.

Shishkin is Britain’s Wednesday banker when representing Henderson in the Ryanair Chase and Luccia is a strong challenger for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Anything less than a decent lead heading into day four would make things difficult, though, as Friday looks set to prove another Irish benefit.

Handicaps could prove crucial

The UK handicapper has the tough job of evaluating form on both sides of the Irish Sea and British trainers will be hoping he comes down hard on the raiding party.

However, past seasons have seen shrewd operators like County Meath handler Elliott keep one step ahead by leaving a bit left in the tank for some unexposed types.

Having trained 34 Cheltenham Festival winners already, he will be keen to enjoy some belated birthday celebrations after turning 45 at the start of the month.

“We’ve got a nice bunch, with a few going under the radar I think, so it’s exciting and I can’t wait to get over,” declared Elliott.

“We’ve probably started the season as easy as we’ve ever been to our horses. A lot needed the run first time out, but we’re getting there now.

“We’ve a good bunch of horses and it is exciting times. We’ve got some nice bumper horses, as well as novice hurdlers and chasers as well.”

Mullins remains the man the British fear most, though, with the County Carlow maestro having sent over a record 88 Festival winners, including 10 last season!

The 66-year-old said: “Getting winners at Cheltenham is a relief. We are just aiming to get on the board if we can and hopefully some of the right ones will win.

“They say we have 14 favourites for Cheltenham and around half the favourites win every year, so I think so that’s not a bad number to have.

“Every inch of ground is fought for at Cheltenham from start to finish and everyone thinks they have a chance.

“It is just immense compared to normal day-to-day racing. Nothing is given but that is what makes it special and what makes it hard to win there.”

Prestbury Cup odds

1/9 Ireland

9/1 Great Britain

9/1 Draw

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All odds and market correct at date of publication