Gordon Elliott expects Death Duty to show his true colours at the Punchestown Festival next week.

Much was expected of the Grade One-winning six-year-old in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, but he was well beaten when he unseated Bryan Cooper at the last flight.

Death Duty seems unlikely to head for the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle, which could feature Albert Bartlett winner Penhill and Presenting Percy, with Elliott instead keen to run him in the Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle on Friday week.

The County Meath handler told the Irish Independent: "I think we'll aim him at the (Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle), which will be easier.

"Forget Cheltenham and it wasn't the ground. He is working well.

"One more piece of work will be decisive."