SALVATOR Mundi divided opinion after winning at Punchestown last Sunday. The bookmakers were sufficiently impressed and shortened him up to 3/1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, but many expressed their doubts about the performance citing his pre-race demeanour, keen-going nature and modest jumping as being reasons to oppose him at Cheltenham.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and racing, like no other sport, garners strong opposing views. Whilst informed opinion is interesting, it is the data that can tell us exactly what Salvator Mundi achieved and whether the bookmakers were justified in shortening him up for the Supreme.