I followed it Paul Townend’s career for years, and when I saw him go to Exeter to ride for the first time on Friday Nice Nice Nice in the Mares’ Chase at 3:14 p.m., it got me thinking about his chances. Let me share my honest thoughts on what could be a great ride for the champion jockey.
Firstly, I must say that I was touched by Townend’s tribute to Appreciate it in his recent interview. When he said “He has absolutely proven himself in the Supreme in 2021, and I doubt I will ever ride an easier grade 1 winner at the festival than that,” it reminded me why I respect this jockey so much. He’s not just going for the next race – he appreciates the horses that gave him these special moments.
But let’s get to Friday’s business. Nice Nice Nice in the Mares’ Chase has caught my attention, and this is why I think Townend may be onto something good.
The mare has history in Exeter – she has won there before, which immediately puts her in my good books. There is something to be said for horses knowing a course, and Townend clearly recognizes this. When he said it “In terms of ratings, she comes out on top, and I’m sure she’s the one everyone would want to ride in the race,” Not only was he confident, he also stated facts.
Now I’ll be honest with you – Nice Nice Nice hasn’t set the world on fire lately. Her last few runs at Doncaster and Punchestown have been below par, and that’s something we can’t ignore. But here I think Townend’s experience comes into play. He knows this mare, and more importantly, he knows Exeter is what he calls one “nice honest job.”
My review? I think this could be the perfect storm for a winning ride. This is why:
The job is hers, she has proven that before. The ratings are in her favor, as Townend himself has pointed out. And sometimes a horse just needs to go back to familiar territory to find his form again. I’ve seen it happen countless times in the years I’ve followed the sport.
What really gives me confidence is Townend’s approach to this ride. He doesn’t make wild claims or overestimate the horse’s chances. Instead, he is realistic about her recent form while emphasizing the positives. That is the mark of a jockey who knows what he is doing.
The Mares’ Chase at 3:14 p.m on Friday could be the race where Fun Fun Fun gets its head back in front, as Townend put it. The combination of a proven track record at the venue, favorable reviews and a jockey who clearly believes in the horse’s capabilities makes this an interesting proposition.
I’ve been watching racing long enough to know that form is temporary, but class is permanent. Nice Nice Nice has shown class before, especially on this circuit. With Townend in the saddle I wouldn’t be surprised if she bounced back to winning ways.
My verdict? This is Townend’s best chance of a winner on Friday. The pieces of the puzzle seem to fit together nicely: experienced jockey, proven horse track combination and favorable reviews. While I’m always cautious about backing horses coming off disappointing runs, sometimes that’s exactly where the value lies.
Naturally, only gamble with what you can afford to lose – that’s something I always say to my readers. But if you’re looking for a horse to follow on Friday, Fun Fun Fun with Paul Townend on board deserves serious consideration.
What do you think? Have you seen anything in her recent form that gives you confidence, or are you as cautious as I am about her recent runs? I would like to hear your opinion on this.
Do you want more insights like this? I always analyze the big races and share my honest opinions on the horses and jockeys I think are worth following. Every week there are opportunities to discover value in racing, and I’m here to help you discover it.
read Paul Townend’s blog on Betway
#Paul #Townends #Friday #rides #Exeter