Another Kim Muir for McManus? Leading owner double-handed in attempt to follow up success of Inothewayurthinkin

The Kim Muir’s 145 ceiling means punters should be alive to handicap blots. In last year's running, one of the biggest in the race’s history emerged. 

The novice Inothewayurthinkin sneaked in off a maximum BHA mark of 145 and won in the manner befitting a future Gold Cup candidate. It was a masterstroke to get Inothwayurthinkin so well handicapped and winning owner JP McManus is responsible for two interesting novices this season in Johnnywho and Sa Majeste. 

Their appeal is understandable given their connections and lightly raced profiles. One of them finding a stone of improvement would surprise nobody, although drawing comparisons to Inothewayurthinkin with either is a stretch. Last season’s winner had already cut it at a higher level against top horses heading into the festival. These two haven't. 

There are more inspiring each-way wagers, with Fantastic Lady one to consider at a price. If the Kim Muir took place in January, Fantastic Lady wouldn’t have even been allowed in. Fantastic Lady’s mark has dipped from 149 to 144 since the start of the season after three runs in small-field mares’ chases. She should not be judged harshly on those efforts.

A runner-up finish in the 2023 Topham and Grade 2 victory in the Oaksey against the geldings last April highlights her tendency to peak at this time of year. 

Git Maker is another to note for Jamie Snowden. Remove Inothewayurthinkin from the equation and Git Maker won this race by 18 lengths last season off nearly the same mark. You sense both runs this campaign have been stepping stones towards the spring festivals. 

Walking On Air and Midnight Our Fred bring more recent staying chase form to the party. Walking On Air’s rider Alan O'Sullivan's 5lb claim negates his 4lb rise for coming down at the last when likely to win the Great Yorkshire Chase last time. The concern is whether that has left a mark. 

Paddy Power Chase runner-up Midnight Our Fred looks sure to be on the premises. The Paddy Power at Leopardstown is invariably a stronger race than the Kim Muir and this improving eight-year-old has finished second in all three staying chases at this track.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Fantastic Lady and Wiseguy
Fantastic Lady’s got an awful lot of weight. We could’ve waited for the Grand National but we’re not certain she’ll get in, so we’re running here. Wiseguy’s Ascot run was good and he’ll enjoy the ground and extra distance.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Yeah Man and Mint Boy
Yeah Man was travelling really well at Haydock when unseating, but he's come out of it well. Mint Boy looks the one least exposed, but that doesn't mean he's well handicapped. If he gets into a good rhythm, he has a good each-way chance.

AJ O'Neill, joint-trainer of Johnnywho
We're delighted to have Derek O'Connor on board. He's consistent and I hope he can put in another good performance as he's run some nice races behind some very smart horses.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Gelino Bello
He missed quite a lot of time and hated the heavy ground at Sandown last time, so you can put a line through that. This ground will be more suitable for him.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Weveallbeencaught
He's run really well on his first two starts back with us, but might want it a bit softer.

Nigel Twiston-Davies: runs Weveallbeencaught in the Kim MuirCredit: Harry Trump (Getty Images)

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Cleatus Poolaw, Music Of Tara and Where It All Began
We've put cheekpieces on Cleatus Poolaw and I've always thought he might be the right sort for a race like this. He was a bit disappointing at Punchestown last time and needs to bounce back. Music Of Tara is in mighty form and should run a nice race. Where It All Began was running a big race in the Welsh National when he made a bad error in the straight. If he bounces back to that form, he'd have a chance.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Manothepeople
I'm really looking forward to running him. He was Paddy Brennan's last ride and winner at the course last April and we've a top amateur [Gina Andrews] booked.

Fiona Needham, trainer of Sine Nomine
We know she loves the track after winning at last year's festival, but this season hasn't been quite as good. She missed Haydock's Grand National Trial with a bruised foot, but she's in good heart.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Git Maker
He was runner-up last year when taking on Inothewayurthinkin, but he pulled well clear of the third. He'd like a bit of rain but he's only 1lb higher this time.

Jamie Snowden: trainer of Git MakerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Barry Connell, trainer of Nine Graces
We put her away for this after she won the National Trial at Punchestown. She's a very effective jumper and the extra half a mile should suit her.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Westerninthepark
He'd be suited to slower ground but will appreciate the step up in trip. He needs to improve a bit to win but can run respectably.

Gary Brown, trainer of Walking On Air
We've booked Alan O'Sullivan to ride and the reception he'd get if he wins would be brilliant. He fell at the last at Doncaster last time, but the form's stood up with The Changing Man.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

Read our day Cheltenham Festival day three previews:

1.20 Cheltenham: 'We're hoping she can reach a high level' - Maughreen and Sixandahalf clash in Mares' Novices' Hurdle 

2.00 Cheltenham: Market leaders look ripe for the taking - expert analysis for the new novice handicap chase 

2.40 Cheltenham: Qualifier winners have a terrible record in the Pertemps, so who is best placed to take advantage? 

3.20 Cheltenham: 'I think we're in the right race' - Il Est Francais joint-trainer Noel George dismisses course concerns for French ace in Ryanair 

4.00 Cheltenham: 'I couldn't believe the opposition to him' - Johnny Dineen expects a lively Stayers' Hurdle market with ante-post favourite unpopular 

4.40 Cheltenham: 'He's no less of a handicap snip for taking on seasoned chasers' - expert analysis and trainer quotes for the Plate 

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