Salvator Mundi continued his extremely fruitful Aintree meeting for Willie Mullins with direct success in Hurdle Trustatatrader Top Novices.
The fifth obstacle of the highest newcomer in Cheltenham last month Joe and Marie Donnelly owned bay settled well for Paul Townynda in the middle of the division during nine-runners.
Cheltenham The third Romeo Coolio appeared to turn home, but was unable to keep up with Salvator Mundi and had no trouble shaking him to win with any amount in his hand.
Mullins said, “I was disappointed that it took so long to win one class, but today we changed the tactics, decided to let it get it and I think it worked.
“They were really good at a good pace, Paul settled him, jumped well, a little on his right in straight, but Paul felt he was just repairing, and that was a good sign to think about doing it at a good speed.
“Last year he ran for us in a triumph, but that was just a practice for this year. He thinks he’s faster than I think.
“I’m not sure if we’re going through the fences next year, they could actually make it easier.
Salvator Mundi has always traveled well on the way to victory in Hurdle Top Novicis’
“It’s a horse that I always thought about a lot, and when we bought it, he was on the second Sir Gino in Auteuil.
“As it turned out, I rang Joe and Marie Donnelly about Salvator Mundi and Nick Henderson on the second line that rang around Sir Gina. Joe and Marie ended up with the first and second and there is a little competition to see who’s best.
Paddy Power will make the winner of the 16/1 chances for Arkle and 25/1 for The Champion Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott said about Romeo Coolio: “Again, a great race on the ground, which is probably as fast as it wants.
“He led a great race, the winner was very good and our boy is a horse who is chasing next season. The way he jumps will be great.
“We’ll get him home and see how he is, but I imagine not doing much more this year.”
