Another intriguing renewal of a contest restricted to horses who have won an intermediate point-to-point this season, or gained a top four placing in a race of that status sponsored by Connolly's Red Mills.

Finding horses who progressed to win an openpoint and a hunter chase is one guide for punters, and MASSIMO, who scored at Towcester last month, was the only qualifier on that score among this 17-runner field. He won very easily and was described by his experienced rider, Michael Miller, as: "An absolute machine - the best I've ridden."

Massimo was dismounted after the line, but he was said to be suffering from heat exhaustion and soon recovered. John Boulter, one of his owners, said the horse would not run again this season - at eight he isyoung enough to go a long way in this sphere, but Boulter was unwilling to commit to future plans.

It was a pity Bravery Scotch, who is unbeaten in three runs this season, was a late withdrawal, but runner-up Range Rover has clicked for Nick Williams in recent weeks, climbing the pointing ladder with maiden, restricted and intermediate victories. This was a long step up, and he made a couple of bad mistakes so acquitted himself with a good deal of promise. At seven time is on his side and he is ina top yard.

Bowdens Lane has returned to winning ways since joining Julie Houldey's in-form stable this year, and led over the first couple of fences, but could not quicken at the business end, a remark that also applies to Teeton Bollinger.

Northern challenger Dr Hellier had won an intermediate and open on his two most recent outings, but was beaten when unseating three out.

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