Salvator Mundi continued an especially fruitful Aintree assembly for Willie Mullins with a simple success within the TrustATrader Prime Novices’ Hurdle.
Fifth within the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham final month, the Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned bay settled effectively for Paul Townend in mid-division all through the nine-runner Grade One.
Cheltenham third Romeo Coolio loomed on the turned for house, however he was not in a position to maintain tempo with Salvator Mundi and he had no bother in shaking him off to win with any quantity in hand.
Mullins stated: “I would been disenchanted it had taken this lad so lengthy to win a Grade One however we modified ways at this time, we determined to let him get at it and I feel it labored.
“They went an actual good tempo, Paul settled him, he jumped effectively, a bit to his proper within the straight however Paul felt he was simply correcting himself and that is a great signal, to consider doing that at a great velocity.
“He ran within the Triumph for us final 12 months however that was simply follow for this 12 months. He thinks he is sooner than he’s I feel. A bit extra racing will settle him down, I hope.
“I am unsure if we’ll go over fences subsequent 12 months, they may really make him a neater trip.
“He’s a horse I’ve all the time thought quite a bit about and once we purchased him he was second to Sir Gino in Auteuil.
“Because it seems I rang Joe and Marie Donnelly about Salvator Mundi and Nicky Henderson was on the opposite line ringing about Sir Gino. Joe and Marie ended up with the primary and second and there is a little bit of competitors to see who’s greatest. In the intervening time Sir Gino is successful however we will catch up, I feel.”
Paddy Energy make the winner a 16/1 probability for subsequent 12 months’s Arkle and 25/1 for the Champion Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott stated of Romeo Coolio: “He ran an important race once more on floor that’s in all probability as fast as he needs it.
“He ran an important race, the winner was excellent and our lad is a horse to go chasing subsequent season. The best way he jumps, he’ll be nice.
“We’ll get him house and see how he’s, however I think about he will not do far more this 12 months.”
