Cheltenham Festival - Kim Muir Chase

The Fluke Walwyn Kim Muir is immensely competitive this year and 11lbs separates the whole field. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as talent will come to the fore and we can look to the best horses and riders to be there at the finish.

I’ve been very sweet on JUNIOR for the William Hill Chase for a long time (backed ante – post) so it was disappointing not to see him run here but he should make a really bold bid here off 11-6. He won at Royal Ascot on his first run for this yard and hasn’t looked back since, his best effort being a very solid 9 lengths third to Midnight Chase, who’s won since and is now fancied for the Gold Cup, before being sent on too soon in a head to head battle with Chartreux in a good handicap hurdle on New Year’s Day. The price is a little short but I like him so much that I’ll stick with him.

Faasel, who came with a wet sail to give Ballabriggs a late fright last year, has to be respected on that performance, but I can’t trust him and he’s reliant on everything falling for him., although Ryna Mahon is a cracking booking. Saddlers Storm is going to be very popular thanks to Derek O’Connor being on board but he’s got plenty to prove.

Galant Nuit has been laid out just for this again and he’ll go close off a 1lbs higher mark. The horse has reportedly pleased connections in his build-up which included a recent racecourse gallop at Doncaster and he should go well.

I’m surprised there’s not been more support for Pomme Tiepy, considering she comes from a stable that’s had two winners at this meeting and a rider that knows the course very well. She’s big at 14’s.

However there’s one horse that I can’t get away from, and that’s MOSTLY BOB. He’s a progressive novice who slammed the opposition in very attractive style at Doncaster two starts ago before falling early on in the Racing Post Chase. He’s 11lbs higher now but still has more to give and is 16/1, which is a fair price considering that many experts and journalists were tipping him up with confidence for the Racing Post Chase. 

Advice 

2 pts win Junior in Kim Muir Chase (4.40 Cheltenham) (5/1 Paddy Power) 

1 pt each/way Mostly Bob in Kim Muir Chase (4.40 Cheltenham) (16/1 Boylesports)