The Shunter one of three co-favourites for Galway Plate with Mullins pair backed

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The Shunter has been joined as 13-2 favourite for the Tote Galway Plate (6.15) by the Willie Mullins-trained pair Royal Rendezvous and Koshari.

Having been a best-priced 11-2 overnight, the JP McManus-owned The Shunter has drifted to 13-2 to claim another valuable prize after his productive spring which included victory at the Cheltenham Festival.

Royal Rendezvous was runner-up in the Plate last year and warmed up for this year's event with an effortless victory at Ballinrobe over hurdles and has been backed form a best-priced 9-1 last night. The move for his stablemate Koshari has been even more significant given the Rich Ricci-owned six-year-old was 12-1 last night.

Racing begins at 4.35pm at Galway and the track was selectively watered in places this morningafter missing its forecast rainfall.

Clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer said: "We've had no rain in the last 24 hours. We were due 5-10mm and got nothing so the going is good on the National Hunt course.

"We're doing a little bit of selective watering just to keep it comfortable. There is the chance of a shower today but it is generally going to be dry and we just want to keep the kindness in the ground."

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Wednesday's race previews:

5.10 Galway: Paul Townend nominates Dark Voyager as his best chance of a winner on Plate day

6.15 Galway: 'He's in great shape and working well' – can Samcro bounce back in Galway Plate?

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