PAUL Nicholls is understandably proud of the way former assistant Harry Fry has blossomed and another prestigious success came the trainer’s way when Bitofapuzzle landed Ascot’s Grade 2 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle over three miles.

The seven-year-old dictated from the start with runner-up Carole’s Spirit and finally took advantage of the 5lb weight concession to beat her by half a length with the rallying Land Of Vic closing them both down on the run to the line.