NAAS 13:50

All 6 ran. Hurdles: 11.

Time: 5m 9.2s Closing Sectional: (4.35f): 62.2s (108.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 99.8%

A steadily-run Grade 1 event that was building to a crescendo only for Augusta Kate to fall when challenging Death Duty at the last, impossible to say with any confidence what would have happened had Willie Mullins' mare stood up, rated as finishing upsides.

DEATH DUTY (IRE) maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles, but was being tested when Augusta Kate - who had just ranged upsides - fell at the last; chased leaders, loomed up early in straight, produced to lead soon after 2 out, left clear last, ridden out; was pulling out plenty on the run-in, the demands of the Albert Bartlett likely to suit ideally at the Festival, his handler suggesting as much after the race, and he'll head to Cheltenham with a leading chance with the prospect of better still to come when upped in trip.

TURCAGUA (FR) improved further, though was booked for third place before Augusta Kate's late departure, better still to come in all likelihood, still room for improvement in his own jumping; tracked pace, flattened third, went on fifth, hit 3 out, ridden when headed between last 2, no extra.

BLOOD CRAZED TIGER (IRE) unsuited by the drop in trip, lost his unbeaten record over hurdles; made running, headed fifth, pushed along after 2 out, held when slightly hampered last.

STAND UP AND FIGHT (IRE) ran to a similar level to when third at Navan 6 weeks earlier, though remains open to improvement when his stamina is further tested (should prove suited by 3m); in rear, pushed along home turn, beaten when hampered last.

BEL AMI DE SIVOLA (FR) saw his winning run come to an end, flying too high in this grade; held up, pushed along after 2 out, weakened before last.

AUGUSTA KATE was pitched in deep on just her second start over hurdles, though not without justification on this evidence, looking a big threat when departing late on; waited with, not fluent second, switched right early in straight, smooth headway 2 out, upsides when fell last; given the way Death Duty pulled away from the rest on the run-in, it's no certainty she'd have won, but she was in the process of showing much improved form, and is a most exciting prospect, likely to have a choice of options if heading to the Cheltenham Festival.