These days, post-modern punters – that’s a less pejorative way of saying young and naïve – treat data like a deity. 

Why wouldn’t they? 

Never before in human history have racing investors been so beautifully blessed by stratified statistical information. 

And, truth be told, despite the grandiose gallops garnering most new converts from these developments, harness racing relies more on numerical particulars than its thoroughbred cousins. 

If you can comprehend lead times and properly quantify quarterly splits, you’re very well placed to profit on the trots. 

Nevertheless, there’ll always be races and always be meetings where data alone doesn’t cut the mustard. 

This evening’s Melton programme is one such example. 

Logically, you’d think by night two of Victoria’s Summer of Glory carnival, most seminal questions would have been answered. 

Think again. 

Let’s look at the meeting’s three key features as a starting point. 

Tonight’s elite – or near elite – action launches with the Group 2 Casey Classic. 

In that event, former local star, Hurricane Harley has drawn the pole and, on face value, looks the likely leader. 

In his previous life, Emma Stewart’s pint-sized speed machine was almost unbeatable in front. 

Of the eighteen times he’s led at the bell, Hurricane Harley has prevailed on no fewer than 15 occasions. 

That stat means little, however, when the one-time track record holder at Vic harness headquarters has had just one run back in his home state, and over 1200m to boot. 

Then there’s the time-honoured V L Dullard Trotters Cup. 

Two years back, Kiwi star Majestic Man claimed this very race on his way to a dominant Australian adventure. 

Is he just as good now? Or near as good? 

And will Queen Elida attempt to run the gate at her first start since finishing third in last month’s Inter Dominion Grand Final?

The quandaries don’t end there, either. 

In the opening event Rakero Rebel arrives from New Zealand with form one cannot rationally compare to those of her rivals. 

And, in race two, Vicbred Super Series champ Captain Bellasario draws outside the front row and may go forward or back. 

Answers to these questions do not lie in data. 

They lie in two, much more esoteric places. 

Firstly, the intuitive opinions of whomever dares to analyse and invest upon the contests listed above. 

Secondly, the responses heard via pre-race interviews on TrotsVision’s coverage. 

Numbers are great, there's no doubt about it, but knowledge is infinitely better.