Gary O'Brien: Minella Indo the ace in De Bromhead's formidable Festival pack

Events off the track have understandably dominated the build-up to this year’s Cheltenham Festival but happily it appears (everything crossed) that we are set for lift-off as per usual on Tuesday afternoon.

It will be a particular relief to those who will as usual be crossing the Irish sea in their droves and after last year’s share of the spoils over the four days the visitors look in pole position to get their hands once again on the coveted Prestbury Cup.

OK, my tongue may have been slightly in cheek describing that particular trophy as ‘coveted’ – let’s face it, it’s every man for himself next week and nobody other than those who have invested their hard-earned is likely to be worrying too much about which nation is on top until they have crossed the line in the Martin Pipe Hurdle.

Having said that, the fact that Ireland are a best-priced 8-11 to triumph is at least a reflection of the strength of this year’s raiding party. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, who between them have won the past seven leading trainer awards at the meeting, will once again carry the bulk of our hopes and together with Nicky Henderson they have developed into a formidable triumvirate in this field.

However, I have a strong feeling there might be a strong challenge to the established pecking order this time in the shape of Henry de Bromhead.

Having already enjoyed some memorable successes at the marquee fixture courtesy of the likes of Sizing Europe and Special Tiara, Waterford-based de Bromhead has already proven himself a man for the big occasion and 2019 brought further success with spectacular wins for A Plus Tard and Minella Indo.

His partnership with Rachael Blackmore was beginning to blossom around that time, and it would difficult to say that the pair have done anything other than enhance their respective reputations in the interim.

Both the aforementioned horses will be back to bid for further glory this year, and Minella Indo in particular would be a major fancy of mine in the RSA Chase.

Having finished second to Laurina on his chase bow at Gowran Park, his trainer was happy that he had seen enough after a subsequent victory over three miles at Navan in January.

The Proudstown Park layout is one of Ireland’s stiffer jumping tests, and the son of Beat Hollow hardly touched a twig en route to a defeat of Captain CJ.

That rival was initially used by some as a means for holding down the form but de Bromhead will have afforded himself a little smile when Dermot McLoughlin’s charge went on to land the Grade Two Ten Up Novice Chase over the same course and distance in great style a month later.

Throw in such as Notebook, Honeysuckle, Minella Melody and Aspire Tower and all the ingredients are there for de Bromhead to deservedly consolidate his status in the higher echelons of his profession.

Fancy another feelgood story at this year’s Festival? How about Colm Murphy sending out his first winner since returning to the trainers’ ranks this season?

The man who masterminded Cheltenham successes for Brave Inca and Big Zeb quit just over three years ago to take up a position as a Turf Club (now IHRB) official but is back in the big time with 2018 Champion Bumper heroine Relegate.

I had been fancying the mare for last year’s Albert Bartlett before injury sidelined her so would have to be keen on her prospects for a handicap off near bottom weight.

There were shades of Presenting Percy in her fourth-placed finish in the Punchestown qualifier and we all know what he went on to do.