Kim Muir Challenge Cup Tips – Day 3 – Cheltenham 2015

Thursday’s finale gives punters a real chance of grabbing some cash ahead of the final day, courtesy of the Kim Muir Handicap Chase (4.40) over 3m2f.

Bullet Hard To Catch
Currently vying for favoritism at the head of the betting is Tom Taaffe’s, Gold Bullet (12/1), who will look to make it a second win for the Irish in this race after Jim Cullottty’s, Spring Heeled, broke the Brits domination 12 months ago.

With only three chase runs to date, this 7yo won his debut before an eyecatching run at Fairyhouse last time (2m6f, soft).

Keeping on into third that day, he gave the impression further would suit, and as a winner on good ground over hurdles, Thursday’s conditions should suit.

The fact Gold Bullet is rated 139 is also a plus based on recent history…

Trends Summary

Of the last 10 Kim Muir Chase winners…

10 raced at Cheltenham on 1-4 occasions
9 were 6-10yo’s
9 had 3 or more runs in handicaps
9 were officially rated 140 or lower
9 were non-favourites
D McCain won it twice

Tizzard Spearheads Brit Challenge
The Brits will want to resume matters in this race, though, and Colin Tizzard’s, Masters Hill (12/1), lines-up having recorded a career best in a small chase at Exeter last time (3m, good to soft). The manner of that 11l win was impressive, and having been a creditable fifth in last year’s Albert Bartlett here, everything looks in place for a big run.

Tizzard also has Grand Vision (16/1), who is still 0-4 in chases, but recorded a career best when runner-up to Sego Success in a Listed event at Warwick last time (3m, soft). He likes to be up there, which should give punters a run for their money, and the fact he was third in the 2012 Albert Bartlett suggests conditions will be fine.

There are also a number of runners entered that ran a few days earlier at the festival, namely Pendra (10/1) and Gallant Oscar (12/1), who were near the head of the betting at the start of the week. There are numerous others who may also reappear in Gervey Chambertin (14/1), Monbeg Dude (14/1), Broadway Buffalo (14/1) and As De Ferbet (12/1), so do check their latest form figures from the previous few days.

Oavtion for Pipe?
David Pipe’s, Standing Ovation (20/1), also knows his way around here, as when third in a valuable handicap here in October (good to soft), and is only 1lb higher here. He did fall when last seen here in December, but has been freshened up since.

Clondaw Knight (20/1) remains an interesting contender, as this 7yo has improved the last twice to win a small handicap at Wetherby (3m1f, soft) prior to finishing an 8l runner-up in Listed company at Ascot (3m, soft). He handles good ground and will be danger to all if staying the extra two furlongs.

As for punters looking at the best jockeys in this amateur event, then Nina Carberry will be of interest on Vintage Star (20/1), who has been thereabouts in big handicaps down the years.

Recommended Bets
Plenty of ifs and buts surrounding this event, but Tom Taaffe’s, Gold Bullet, looks interesting, having been supported in recent days. He has yet to go beyond 3m, but his dam was a 3m3f winner, suggesting the trip could suit.