The six-year-old registered his second victory over fences in the space of 16 days
Bookmakers were busy again this afternoon, cutting Death Duty for both the RSA Chase and JLT Chase in the ante-post betting for Cheltenham in March. Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old followed up his debut effort 16 days ago with another easy victory, this time recording an 11 length victory over the 2m2f trip.
Much improved from his Tipperary performance, he showed much more compusre over his fences and connections and backers alike will be pleased to see the progression made.
Death Duty - they always said chasing would be his game... @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/DunwJaoasp
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 19, 2017
Trainer Elliott after the race indicated he didn’t feel the Gigginstown runner is an ‘out and out three-miler’ and suggested the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse in December was his next likely target.
Bookmakers reacted to Thursday’s win by slashing his odds for the RSA from as big as 14’s to just 8/1 in places (best price 12/1). They were also taking evasive action in the JLT market, with some firms now as short as 10/1 from 16’s (best price 16/1).
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: "Death Duty's second appearance of the season confirmed his potential as a chaser, and bookmaker have acted accordingly in the market for both the RSA and the JLT. The severity of the cuts in price may be somewhat surprising given his short price at Punchestown, but there is no doubt that it was an improved performance."
