Galway Plate Tips and Day 3 NAP: 'He finished two lengths in front of favourite Funiculi Funicula'

The infamous Tote Galway Plate takes place this Wednesday and, like every year, we have that perfect mix of young pretenders and old stalwarts. Much like the Mayo senior team, who finally, after 75 years, landed their first All-Ireland title. But enough about football, and back to the horses.

Mullins dominates the market

Taking a quick look at the betting, at the head of the market we have the Willie Mullins-trained Funiculi Funicula. He will be ridden by Paul Townend and was last seen landing the Listed Novice Handicap Chase at the Punchestown Festival. He has a lovely, improving profile for a race like this. Off a mark of 149, there isn't exactly much wriggle room, but factoring in the trainer and jockey, it's easy to think the plan may have been this race for a while, and he's certainly a major player.

Nowwhatdoyouthink is certainly the one with the least exposed profile. He has been moved to Gordon Elliott's yard with a view to the American Grand National and other races across the water, but he will be the mount of Jack Kennedy.

He brings solid Grade 1 form to the table, having looked to travel extremely well in the Champion Novice Chase, and if able to back up that performance, he will surely go very close.

I love the Galway Plate. It's a fascinating affair and we've seen some real heroes win it over the last few years, such as Western Fold and Hewick.

For me, I'm going to take a chance on the Willie Mullins-trained King Alexander. The eight-year-old son of Mount Nelson was last seen finishing a disappointing sixth at Punchestown on his latest start. However, if you go back through his previous chase performances, the form is there for everyone to see.

At Naas last December, he finished two lengths in front of his stablemate and favourite Funiculi Funicula, while he was only beaten a nose by him at Gowran Park, so there isn't much between the two. Now there is a 9lb pull in the weights in favour of King Alexander. He was also fourth at the Cheltenham Festival, so he understands the rough and ready nature of a handicap chase.

It is also very interesting to see Dan King booked for the ride. He has shown in the past that he can get horses to relax and settle throughout a race, and I feel that is a huge benefit to King Alexander. At 20/1, I think that's a huge price, especially when you tie in his form compared to those higher in the market. He's not ground-dependent, which is another big plus, and I think this could be a hidden gem in what looks a very competitive field.

Nap of Day 3 at Galway

The horse I'm most confident about on Day 3 is Al Arrivee in the opener. She is a half-sister to Al Boum Photo, and this is the first chance she'll have going over a further trip. The step up in distance, for me, will be a big plus in her favour.

She looked to have a touch of class on her latest start when easily taking care of her rivals at Punchestown on 7th June, and for me she has the most upside compared to her market rivals. Shoda hasn't been overly impressive over hurdles, which is disappointing, while Jeroboam Machin couldn't take his chance against a lesser field at Cork last time.

For me, my best bet on Day 3 at Galway is Al Arrive at 2/1.