Cobden steers Pic D'Orhy to Ascot Chase win

Jockey Harry Cobden rode Pic D'Orhy to a dominant victory in the Ascot Chase ahead of 5-4 favourite L'Homme Presse.

The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old put in a flawless display of jumping to win by a five and a half lengths.

Venetia Williams' Gold Cup contender L'Homme Presse jumped awkwardly in comparison, coming home a distant second.

"To put good horses in their place like that was fantastic," said Nicholls.

"It was a fantastic ride and that is why Harry is vying to be champion, he's riding like a champion jockey."

Pic D'Orhy, second to Shishkin in this race 12 months ago, led from the off and was seven lengths clear at one stage.

The 13-8 chance gained ground at every jump as L'Homme Presse, with Charlie Deutsch on board, was always jumping to his left.

The chasing pack did began to close in on the back straight but Cobden kicked Pic D'Orhy clear rounding the home bend.

A perfect jump at the last sealed a convincing win ahead of L'Homme Presse, Ahoy Senor and outsider Sail Away.

"I don't know why after all his races, but he seems to be improving," added Nicholls.

"Today was the best I've ever seen him look and probably the best he's ever run."