Cheltenham Festival 2025: Kim Muir Handicap Chase Preview

The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase, affectionately known as the Kim Muir, is a distinguished fixture on Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival.

Scheduled for Thursday, 13th March 2025, at 5:20 PM, this Class 2 handicap chase is exclusively for amateur jockeys, covering a stamina-sapping distance of 3 miles and 2 furlongs over Cheltenham’s demanding New Course. With 21 fences to be negotiated, the race is a true test of endurance, jumping prowess, and tactical acumen.

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Cheltenham Festival 2025: Kim Muir Handicap Chase Preview – 5:20pm

 

Register with any of our featured UK betting sites for the latest promotions including free bets, enhanced places and price boosts on the Kim Muir Handicap Chase.

 

Established in 1946, the Kim Muir has a rich heritage and has often served as a stepping stone to greater achievements.Notably, Ballabriggs clinched victory in this race in 2010 before going on to win the Grand National the following year.Similarly, Sunnyhillboy narrowly missed out on Grand National glory after his Kim Muir triumph in 2012. These anecdotes underscore the race’s significance in highlighting future long-distance chasers.  

 

Race Structure

• Distance: 3 miles and 2 furlongs
• Type: Handicap Chase (Class 2)
• Eligibility: Horses aged five years and older
• Fences: 21
• Prize Fund: £75,000, with £36,667 awarded to the winner  

 

Leading Contenders for 2025

As of 12th March 2025, the betting landscape highlights several key contenders:

• Walking On Air – Odds: 4/1
  Trained by Gary Brown, Walking On Air has shown promise in staying chases this season. Despite a fall in his last outing, his prior performances suggest he possesses the stamina required for this marathon test. Punters are optimistic about his chances, making him the current favourite. 
• Midnight Our Fred – Odds: 11/2
  This eight-year-old gelding has been in consistent form, boasting a win and a runner-up finish in his recent starts. His ability to handle varying ground conditions and his proven stamina make him a formidable contender. Trainer J.P. Flavin has expressed confidence in his charge’s readiness for the challenge ahead. 
• Johnnywho – Odds: 7/1
  Johnnywho’s odds have shortened significantly in recent days, reflecting growing confidence from punters. The eight-year-old has demonstrated versatility and resilience, attributes that will serve him well in the rigours of the Kim Muir. His partnership with leading amateur jockey Derek O’Connor adds to his appeal. 
• Sa Majeste – Odds: 9/1
  Representing the powerful stable of Willie Mullins, Sa Majeste has been lightly raced this season but has shown flashes of brilliance. His recent victory over a similar distance indicates he’s peaking at the right time. Mullins’ record at the Cheltenham Festival further bolsters confidence in Sa Majeste’s prospects. 
• Mint Boy – Odds: 11/1
  Mint Boy has been the subject of positive whispers in the lead-up to the festival. His third-place finish in a competitive handicap chase last month showcased his staying power and jumping ability. Trainer Gavin Cromwell has a knack for readying horses for big occasions, making Mint Boy an intriguing contender. 
• Git Maker – Odds: 12/1
  Trained by Jamie Snowden, Git Maker has had a mixed season but possesses the class to feature prominently. His fourth-place finish in a Grade 3 chase earlier this year suggests he can compete at this level. If he can iron out minor jumping errors, he could be in the mix. 

 

Betting Landscape

The current odds, reflecting the competitive nature of the race, are as follows:

• Walking On Air: 4/1
• Midnight Our Fred: 11/2
• Johnnywho: 7/1
• Sa Majeste: 9/1
• Mint Boy: 11/1
• Git Maker: 12/1

 

Odds accurate as of 13th March 2025.

 

Tactical Considerations

The Kim Muir often presents a complex tactical puzzle:

• Pace: Establishing a balanced pace is crucial; too fast can lead to early fatigue, while too slow can result in a sprint finish.
• Positioning: Navigating through a large field requires strategic positioning to avoid traffic and capitalize on openings.
• Jumping Efficiency: With 21 fences to negotiate, clean and efficient jumping is essential to maintain momentum and conserve energy.

 

Observation

In the whimsical world of horse racing, names often carry a certain charm. One might muse whether Walking On Air will indeed elevate above the competition, or if Midnight Our Fred has been burning the midnight oil in preparation for this challenge. Meanwhile, Johnnywho might just leave us all asking, “Johnny who?” as he crosses the finish line first.

 

Final Verdict: Who Will Conquer the 2025 Kim Muir?

With a wide-open field and plenty of classy contenders, this year’s Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is shaping up to be a hugely competitive renewal. Let’s break down the key runners one last time and see who might emerge victorious.

 

🏆 Walking On Air (4/1) – The Right Favourite?

Why he’ll win:
Walking On Air has the form, the stamina, and the class to win this race. His strong staying performances this season make him the obvious favourite, and if he jumps cleanly, he could outclass this field.

Why he might not:
That fall last time out raises questions about his jumping under pressure. Cheltenham’s fences won’t forgive mistakes, and he needs a clean round to justify favouritism.

🏇 Verdict: A solid favourite, but his price is a bit short given his recent blip.

 

🌙 Midnight Our Fred (11/2) – The Consistent Stayer?

Why he’ll win:
Midnight Our Fred is ultra-reliable and handles soft or good ground. He stays forever and has been aimed at this race all season. Trainer J.P. Flavin is confident he’ll run a big race.

Why he might not:
While consistent, he’s not flashy. If something with more class quickens past him in the final furlong, he might only manage a place rather than a win.

🏇 Verdict: A rock-solid each-way bet, but will he have enough extra speed at the finish?

 

🤔 Johnnywho (7/1) – The Mystery Horse?

Why he’ll win:
The whispers around Johnnywho are growing louder. He’s improving fast, travels well in his races, and has been nibbled at in the betting. With Derek O’Connor booked to ride, he will have every chance if he stays the trip.

Why he might not:
He’s yet to prove himself over this extended trip. While strong over 3 miles, an extra 2 furlongs at Cheltenham is no joke.

🏇 Verdict: If he stays, he could be the dark horse of the race.

 

🇫🇷 Sa Majeste (9/1) – The Mullins Masterplan?

Why he’ll win:
He’s lightly raced, highly talented, and comes from the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable. He’s been trained with bigger things in mind, and this might just be his breakout performance.

Why he might not:
With only a handful of chase runs, will his lack of experience cost him? Cheltenham’s fences demand fluency, and this won’t be an easy race for a horse still learning the game.

🏇 Verdict: If Mullins has him ready, he could take off up the hill—but can he handle the pressure?

 

💰 Mint Boy (11/1) – The Value Pick?

Why he’ll win:
He’s quietly progressing, and trainer Gavin Cromwell knows how to win big staying chases. His third-place finish in a tough handicap last month suggests he’s peaking at the right time.

Why he might not:
He’s not a superstar, and while consistent, does he have the extra quality needed to win at the Festival?

🏇 Verdict: At 11/1, he’s great value for an each-way bet.

 

⚡ Git Maker (12/1) – The Surprise Package?

Why he’ll win:
Jamie Snowden’s runner has been there or thereabouts in big handicaps this season. If the race turns into a proper stamina test, he could be staying on when others are stopping.

Why he might not:
He makes the odd jumping mistake, and in a big-field race like this, one error could cost him everything.

🏇 Verdict: If he gets into a rhythm, he could be staying on late.

 

How Will The Race Be Run?

Pace & Tactics:

• Walking On Air and Midnight Our Fred will likely be ridden prominently, trying to grind down the opposition.
• Johnnywho and Sa Majeste will bide their time, looking to pounce late.
• Mint Boy and Git Maker will probably sit midfield, waiting for others to fade before making their move.

If they go too hard early, it could play into the hands of the closers like Git Maker and Mint Boy.

If the pace is steady, the favourites up front could control the race and kick clear.

 

Best Bets for the 2025 Kim Muir Challenge Cup

✔ Best Win Bet: Walking On Air (4/1) – The most talented horse in the race—if he jumps well, he wins.

✔ Best Each-Way Bet: Midnight Our Fred (11/2) – Ultra-consistent, never runs a bad race.

✔ Best Value Pick: Mint Boy (11/1) – If it turns into a grind up the hill, he could outstay the field.

 

Final Thoughts: A Wide-Open Contest with Festival Drama Guaranteed

With a fascinating mix of proven stayers, rising stars, and classy challengers, this year’s Kim Muir is up for grabs.

Will Walking On Air show his class? Can Midnight Our Fred grind his way to glory? Or will Johnnywho finally make us all remember his name?

One thing is certain: whoever wins will need to be a true warrior up the Cheltenham hill.

And for those backing a winner? The pints in the Guinness Village will taste even sweeter. 🍻