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The entry numbers for the handicaps at this year's Cheltenham Festival have significantly declined, with a total of 585 put in the nine races.
Ireland has a formidable line-up, making up 45% of the entries. Britain's best chance lies with Into Overdrive, who is among 63 entries for the 3m1f Ultima Handicap Chase on opening day.
The Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle has the highest number of entries: 88, but that figure has dropped by 23 from last year. 26 entries are Irish-trained and Gordon Elliott has 18, including ante-post favourite Three Card Brag.
Ireland's Willie Mullins has several contenders in the Coral Cup, including Grade 1 winner Brandy Love, who is one of 87 entries. Paul Nicholls has a strong hand in the Plate Handicap Chase with 4 entries.
The Grand Annual Handicap Chase on day two has 47 entries, including ante-post favourite Aucunrisque, trained by Chris Gordon. Fifty-five entries are in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, with ante-post favouritism held by the Mullins-trained Tekao.
The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle has recorded the lowest number of entries with 44. Finally, the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase has 61 entries.
Into Overdrive is looking confident to provide his trainer Mark Walford with his first festival win, while a host of other contenders are hoping to make their mark at the Cheltenham Festival. With 45% of the entries trained in Ireland, the away side will once again have strong representation and could take the Prestbury Cup for the second year running.
