Paul Nicholls struck with a 125-1 on five occasions at Wincanton yesterday and the 14-time champion trainer attempts to keep that hot streak going with five runners on Sunday’s cards. Here we assess their chances. . .

12:10 p.m. Ffos Las: 2m novice hurdles

The four-year-old, owned by Colm Donlon, made a promising stable debut when runner-up to the Nicky Henderson-trained Joyeuse at a maiden hurdle at Taunton in January. The third and fourth placed horses have won since then, so the form looks respectable, and he is open to many improvements after a ten month break.

Featured Comment: I got closer to the British debut at Taunton in January; main competitor here.

12:30 p.m. Sandown: 2 m4f jockeys’ conditional handicap obstacle

Winner of a bumper at Chepstow last April and took off at the fourth attempt over hurdles justifying odds of 1-4 in a maiden hurdle at Wincanton in March. He looked a workable opening score of 117 when second on his handicap debut at Ayr the following month, where he met a later double winner who is now officially rated 17lbs heavier . He appears to be a top contender with the best conditional jockey booked.

Featured Comment: Very embarrassed when second on handicap debut at Ayr in April; keeps the same brand; player.

12:30 p.m. Sandown: 2 m4f jockeys’ conditional handicap obstacle

A Listed winner earlier in his career and he landed a Grade 2 novice hurdle at this course and distance in December 2022, when he had the now ranked 139 chaser Henry’s Friend four and a quarter lengths behind. He failed to add to his total in four subsequent races, however, and has been absent since finishing last of four in a 2m4f novices’ handicap race on this card 12 months ago.

Featured Comment: Grade 2 course and distance winner in novice hurdles in December 2022; returned from a year’s leave today.

1.50 Ffos Las: inaugural hurdle of 2 m4f

Chased down the next ninth Champion Bumper when runner-up in an Aintree bumper on his stable Boxing Day debut before narrowly justifying odds of 4-9 in a Fakenham bumper in February . He underwent wind surgery before making his hurdling debut at Chepstow last month, where he looked far from the easiest course, taking a good hold early before hanging left when he was asked to challenge. Should enjoy stepping up his trip, but doesn’t seem to take too short a price.

Featured Comment: Lots of capacity in the bumpers; never closer to 3rd in the 2m novice from Chepstow, hanging on persistently.

4:00 p.m. Sandown: 2m flat national hunter race

Brother of 2020 Grand Annual winner Chosen Mate, he makes his debut in a race his trainer won with all odds in Le Touquet last year. Nicholls is 2-9 with his standout runners this season and the market should prove a good guide on what to expect today.

Featured Comment: €120,000 for three years; Top Yard won this award with a 2023 newcomer; firmly in the calculations.

Read them next:

‘We’re flying’ – Paul Nicholls silences doubts with sparkling Wincanton quintuple

Paul Nicholls’ stable tour: ‘I’m sure there’s plenty more to come from him – some of his work last season reminded me of Master Minded’

‘The Challow should be in our sights’ – Paul Nicholls aims high after hurdling debutant hits by eight lengths

Looking for free bets? Racing Post has the best deals, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.