JOHN Dawson is favourite to win the Yorkshire Area Men’s Championship heading into the penultimate point-to-point meeting of the season at Easingwold this weekend.

Dawson, who hails from County Durham, extended his lead over rivals Will Easterby and Will Milburn when completing a treble at the Zetland point-to-point on Monday at Witton Castle.

He won the Hunt Race on Mistissio for trainer Richard Smith who was unable to ride due to injury.

The progressive Path to Freedom, owned by Jenny Nellis, provided Dawson's second winner of the day in the Mens Open Race, for trainer Cherry Coward.

"For him to progress from a Maiden to an Open winner in one season is impressive and he is definitely better going left-handed," commented Dawson after the victory.

His third win of the meeting came on Annys Land, which Dawson trains for Susan Taylor and William Crole, in the Open Maiden Race.

"It’s taken time for the penny to drop and we haven’t rushed her," Dawson said. "The improvement she has shown from her first run is huge. Hopefully, she can keep going the right way."

The Bilsdale point-to-point takes place at Rising Sun Farm, Easingwold on Sunday. A total of 77 entries have been received and the first race starts at 2pm.

Once again, it looks like Dawson holds all the aces, whether riding or training.

Dawson trains Mickey Miller who is a strong contender to win the opening Hunt Members race under jockey Jack Jordan.

There are 11 entries in the Open Maiden where Clashganny, who crashed out at the second fence on Monday, could take the beating.

The Conditions race has only seven entries and southern raider Lough Inch - a multiple winner in points - should find this a walk in the park.

The Mixed Open is likely to be a contest between recent course winner Rumble Of Thunder and Trop Fort who also won at the Pendle Forest point to point near Skipton last Saturday.

The Club Members race looks to have a bit more strength although most of the entrants are 'double entered'.Wizadora is improving after an impressive win at Witton Castle and it would be no surprise if she improved further.

The Restricted race could cut up with seven of the entrants running over the weekend. However, Bentons Lad was second here two weeks ago and is hugely consistent.

The final race is an Open Maiden where High Hopper, who has rules form, returns after a low key effort at Askham Bryan.

The Bilsdale is one of the first point-to-points in the Yorkshire Area to offer an E-ticketing option for customers. An early bird offer is available - adult tickets costing £8.50 when purchased online up until 9pm on Friday May 5 at www.pointinginyorkshire.co.uk.

On the gate, public admission is £10 per adult, under 16s are free. There will be a licensed bar and refreshments. The postcode for Sat Nav is YO61 3PS.

The final fixture of the season takes place at Sedgefield Racecourse on Sunday May 28.