And then there's someone like me, who spends about 50 seconds getting Yoshi during a demonstration to a couple of my friends on how to beat Funky (Yes, the shell hitting and cape is I think the only way to get it), and then purposely dump Yoshi in a pit (Yes, I do this on purpose) and sprint to the exit and still make it on time.
Really, all you have to do is run and you should be able to beat it without Yoshi. I think you only really need 100 of the 200 seconds you get for it, either... of course, I'm not sure: I haven't played SMW in about a couple months.
Congratulations! You have just been blessed by the wisdom of Steve.