Cheltenham countdown: Six "bankers' among Ireland's raiding party

There is nothing quite like the atmosphere at Cheltenham when an Irish ‘banker’ roars up the famous hill in front.

With the Festival’s all-time leading trainer Willie Mullins sending a slightly depleted squad to the Cotswolds this year, those bankers look a little harder to come by than in previous years – but Irish eyes could still be smiling according.

here's six of their strongest fancies.

Race: Mares’ Hurdle (Tuesday). Odds: 6-5.

Willie Mullins has saddled nine of the 11 winners of this event and it is difficult to look beyond the defending champion.

The Rich Ricci-owned eight-year-old beat the mighty Apple’s Jade in this race a year ago (watch above), as well as at Punchestown the following month, and while Gordon Elliott’s was probably not at her best on either occasion, it is difficult to see any of Benie Des Dieux’s Festival rivals managing such a feat.

She looks a good thing on day one.

Race: RSA Chase (Wednesday) Odds: 7-2.

This six-year-old is already a Festival winner having landed the Pertemps Final last season (watc above) and has been pretty much foot-perfect in winning each of his three starts over fences – including a verdict over the now-sidelined dual Grade One winner Le Richebourg.

He has pace and stamina and seemingly goes on any ground. He should have too much for the home contingent in the RSA.

Race: Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase (Wednesday). Odds: 11-10.

With three Festival wins and a Grand National triumph on his CV, it is no surprise Tiger Roll is one of the most popular horses in training.

It is hard to believe he won the Triumph Hurdle five years ago – given his subsequent exploits over marathon distances. His surprise success in the Boyne Hurdle suggested he is better than ever and he really is impossible to oppose.

Race: Triumph Hurdle (Friday). Odds: 11-10.

A son of Derby hero Camelot, this youngster was good enough to get within two and a half lengths of star stayer Stradivarius in the Long Distance Cup at Ascot last October, so his class is undeniable.

Not all quality Flat horses take to the National Hunt game, but his jumping has impressed twice at Leopardstown and he was scintillating at the Dublin Racing Festival (watch above).

He could easily be odds-on come the day and should deliver.

Race: Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup (Friday). Odds: 4-1.

Ireland appears to have a strong hand in the blue riband and this fellow is top of the list.

He won the Pertemps Final two years ago and doubled his Festival tally with a dominant display in the RSA last season. He has not raced over fences since, but oozed class in the Galmoy Hurdle and has the right man on his back in Davy Russell.

Watch what Russell said after that Glamoy Hurdle success above.

Race: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle (Friday). Odds: 6-1.

Elliott was thrilled to win the race named after his long-time mentor for the first time last season and looks to have a strong chance of repeating the feat in what is now the final race of the Festival.

This six-year-old is two from four over hurdles this season, most recently landing a valuable prize at Leopardstown.

He is 10lb higher for his Prestbury Park assignment, but that does not look an insurmountable hike.