HIS season may have started on an off-key note but Our Duke looks to be nearing concert-pitch at the ideal time for legitimate Gold Cup aspirations with a fine victory over Presenting Percy in a vintage Grade 2 Red Mills Chase.

Following his abortive reappearance at Down Royal in November, Jessica Harrington’s charge ran quite nicely in the Irish Gold Cup at the start of the month where a mistake at the second last cost him dearly.