Paul Townend believes 'the penny has dropped' with Plate ride Funiculi Funicula

Paul Townend is known for his tactical astuteness around Ballybrit, however he has only won the Galway Plate twice in his career, with the last win aboard Royal Rendezvous in 2021.

In today's renewal, Betway ambassador Townend hopes he can make that three aboard the Willie Mullins-trained favourite Funiculi Funicula He gave his thoughts to Betway on his chances.

Paul Townend's thoughts on the Galway Plate

Just the one ride on Wednesday in the Galway Plate (18:40), but a great ride to have on Funiculi Funicula (9/2 with Betway), and he’s a horse I’ve always thought plenty of. He’s probably just taken his time to put it all together, but he won a nice race at Punchestown last time, and I think the penny is really starting to drop with him.

The handicapper has had his say for that last win, hitting us with an 8lb rise, but I’ve always felt Funiculi Funicula could be a graded horse, so even off his revised mark of 149, he still could have a bit in hand in what is admittedly a very competitive handicap.

If you fancy Funiculi Funicula, then I suppose you can’t rule out Spread Boss Ted at a big price because their form is very closely matched. He was a bit late getting going at Punchestown behind my lad, but he hasn’t been penalised like the winner, and I think there’s more to come from him, so I couldn’t put anybody off him at an each-way price, but hopefully I’m on the right one.