Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap 2025 Tips, Predictions, Preview and Odds

Run over 3 miles 2 furlongs on the New Course at Cheltenham, the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is a handicap chase traditionally restricted to amateur jockeys.

However, unless the British government has a late change of heart, allowing amateur jockeys to compete at the Cheltenham Festival, the race may be contested by professional jockeys, including conditionals, in 2021.

 

Kim Muir Tips

Key Trends

  • Favourites Have won or came 2nd in each of the last 4 years
  • 8 of the last 10 winners have gone off less than 10/1
  • In the last 2 years, Irish trained runners have filled 11 of the first 12 places
  • The last 6 winners have been Novices

When looking at putting together a handicap lucky 15 for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, you don’t automatically start looking at favourites. Still, as pointed out in the stats above, favourites have a great record in the Kim Muir. In addition, if you are an Irish trained novice, you are hitting some key trends (although that is perhaps not a surprise given the success of the Irish in recent years). This market also has the potential to cut up with a couple of those towards the top unlikely runners. MIDNIGHT OUR FRED (10/1) is not the current favourite across the board but is heading that direction with a couple of high profile tipsters (Gavin Lynch included) putting him up.

I believe his second in the Paddy Power chase at Christmas is the standout piece of form on offer with winner and Leopardstown specialist Percival Legallois following up with a hurdle win at the DRF, Galway Plate winner Pinkerton in 3rd and subsequent Thyestes and Bobbyjo chase winner Nick Rockett 9 lengths back in 4th.

Three of Midnight Our Fred’s previous five runs have been at Cheltenham, which is strange for a small Irish trainer (JP Flavin). More impressively, he came second in each one, demonstrating a clear affinity for the track. He was also raised just a pound to 132 from his Irish mark and so will be carrying just 11st 1.

Long-range weather forecasts would indicate we will be racing on a sound surface which is important with 5 of his last 6 runs coming on ground with “good” in the going. Sa Majeste is respected for powerful connections (JP, Willie and most probably Derek O’Connor) but there is a chance that he is priced on reputation rather than form and I am happy to take a chance here at 10/1 antepost with this almost certainly the target.

 

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Cheltenham Day 3 Tips

RaceTipOdds
1.20pm - Mares Novices HurdleKaroline Banbou (ew)10/1
2.00pm -Novices Limited Handicap ChaseNurburgring10/1
2.40pm - Pertemps Network FinalFeet of a Dancer16/1
3.20pm - Ryanair ChaseJungle Boogie (ew)16/1
4,00pm - Stayers HurdleHome By The Lee & The Wallpark (ew)7/1 & 16/1
4.40pm - TrustaTrader PlateFugitif20/1
5.20pm - Kim Muir ChaseMidnight Our Fred10/1