Invitation Only can still take place among elite

Death Duty: favourite for the Albert BartlettCredit: Patrick McCann

Bookmakers shortened Death Duty, winner of the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle at Navan, to as low as 5-2 favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle which looks the obvious target for the son of Shantou who was making it three from three over hurdles.

In winning the 2m4f event, Death Duty ended Invitation Only's unbeaten record with the Willie Mullins-trained favourite finishing five and a quarter lengths behind in third.

While stamina looks the winner's forte, Elliott remains adamant that he is far from being a slow horse and the Neptune is a viable alternative target at the festival.

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Tony O'HehirRacing Post Reporter

Published on 18 December 2016inReports

Last updated 19:58, 18 December 2016

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