Delta Work completed a big Leopardstown Grade One double by landing a pulsating Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Gordon Elliott's charge won the Savills Chase here over Christmas and again locked horns with Kemboy and Presenting Percy in the Dublin Racing Festival feature.
The trio proceeded to serve up a treat, heading to the last almost in a line.
It was the 5/2 winner who landed in front under Jack Kennedy and try as he might, 5/4 favourite Kemboy couldn't pass him.
At the line there was a length-and-a-half between the pair with Presenting Percy (10/3), who only backed out of it inside the final furlong, three-and-a-quarter lengths away in third.
Sky Bet halved the winner to 4/1 (non-runner/no bet) for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup. Head of Sports PR Michael Shinners said: "It looked a very good race beforehand and a very good winner on the track. Clearly Delta Work brings the best staying chase form from Ireland over with him and is a huge threat to Santini and company."
Elliott said: "The last couple of seasons he's improved with races. We missed here last year and went straight to Cheltenham, which might not have been ideal.
"The one thing we have learned about this horse is to put him to sleep and get him popping away. It's all systems go now for Cheltenham. Our horse is improving the whole time and we can dream about a Gold Cup now."
Elliott also hailed the efforts of luckless winning rider Kennedy - just minutes before he would suffer a fall in the following race and be taken to hospital for X-rays on his right leg, with it later confirmed he had suffered a fracture and would undergo surgery on Monday.
He said: "It's great for Jack who is a young lad only coming back after a few injuries and he has nerves of steel."
Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for owners Gigginstown House Stud, said: "This has been a lucky race for us. This horse needs racing and improves from race to race. He wears a hood, but he's settling better now. He jumped well and Jack gave him a super ride.
"In fairness to Leopardstown they have done a superb job with the ground today. We were very impressed with the chase track."
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