Harry Cobden praised for Pic D'Orhy ride as pair thwart Gold Cup hope L'Homme Presse

Harry Cobden, who led all the way in Betfair's Ascot Chase on Pic D'Orhy, is three wins ahead in the jockeys' championship after Sean Bowen drew a blank at Haydock

Paul Nicholls hailed Harry Cobden's Ascot Chase masterclass on Pic D'Orhy "a champion jockey's ride."

The title leader got his tactics spot on in the Betfair-backed contest and never saw any of his three rivals.

Cobden stole a couple of lengths from L'Homme Presse at flagfall and heaped pressure on the 5-4 favourite's jumping. Charlie Deutsch's mount, completing his Cheltenham Gold Cup prep at 2m 5f, struggled to go Pic D'Orhy's gallop as he got in tight to several fences.

Cobden meanwhile was keeping a bit up his sleeve and as soon as the others got closer, the Johnny de la Hey-owned chaser raced away again.

A final bold jump put the finishing touches on their dominant display, at an official margin of five-and-a-half lengths.

"Harry had a plan and it was a fantastic ride," added Nicholls, whose go-to jockey increased his lead to three at the table summit.

"The way he's performing he has every chance of being champion and we will do everything we can to help. This track brings out the best in Pic D'Orhy, he has really got his act together now."

Never out of second place, L'Homme Presse stayed on over a trip short of his best – and owner Andy Edwards was keeping the faith in his Festival hopeful.

"No excuses," he said, after seeing bookmakers push his Gold Cup odds out to 16-1. "He was doing his best work at the end, we are very happy."

Nicholls and Cobden also delivered for punters in the Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Swinley Handicap Chase. Despite idling close home, Threeunderthrufive (5-1) held a length advantage and had his Grand National odds trimmed to 25-1 with most firms.

Overall plaudits in Berkshire went to trainer Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones, who celebrated a 730-1 treble with Pic Roc (11-2), Sodexo Live! Reynoldstown Novices' Chase hero Henry's Friend (13-2) and Honor Grey (14-1).

A four-timer was on the cards until Mothill (18-1) showed greater resolution than Bad in the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Handicap Hurdle.