Paul Nicholls' Sunday runners assessed as trainer bids to follow up spectacular 125-1 Saturday five-timer

Paul Nicholls struck with a 125-1 five-timer at Wincanton yesterday and the 14-time champion trainer bids to maintain this hot streak with five runners across the Sunday cards. Here, we assess their chances . . .

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

Spotlight comment: Went close on British debut at Taunton in January; leading contender here.

Tutti Quanti12:10 Ffos Las

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Paul Nicholls

Don't Tell Su

12.30 Sandown: 2m4f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle

Winner of a Chepstow bumper last April and got off the mark at the fourth attempt over hurdles when justifying odds of 1-4 in a maiden hurdle at Wincanton in March. He shaped as though an opening mark of 117 was workable when second on handicap debut at Ayr the following month, where he bumped into a subsequent dual winner who is now officially rated 17lb higher. Looks a leading contender with top conditional jockey booked.

Spotlight comment: Badly hampered when second on handicap debut at Ayr in April; retains same mark; player.

Henri The Second

12.30 Sandown: 2m4f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle

A Listed bumper winner earlier in his career and he landed a Grade 2 novice hurdle over this course and distance in December 2022, when he had the now 139-rated chaser Henry's Friend four and a quarter lengths behind. He has failed to add to his tally in four subsequent runs though, and has been absent since trailing home last of four in a 2m4f novices' handicap chase on this card 12 months ago.

Spotlight comment: Grade 2 course-and-distance novice hurdler winner in December 2022; returns from a year off today.

Don't Tell Su12:30 Sandown

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Jky: Freddie Gingell (3lb)Tnr: Paul Nicholls

Henri The Second12:30 Sandown

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Jky: Jay Tidball (3lb)Tnr: Paul Nicholls

Farland

1.50 Ffos Las: 2m4f maiden hurdle

Chased home the subsequent Champion Bumper ninth when runner-up in an Aintree bumper on stable debut on Boxing Day before narrowly justifying odds of 4-9 in a Fakenham bumper in February. He received wind surgery before making his hurdling debut at Chepstow last month where he looked far from the easiest ride, taking a keen hold early before hanging left when asked to challenge. Should appreciate stepping up in trip but doesn't look one to be taking too short a price about.

Spotlight comment: Plenty of ability in bumpers; never-nearer 3rd in 2m Chepstow novice, hanging persistently.

Farland13:50 Ffos Las

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Paul Nicholls

Old Park Star

4.00 Sandown: 2m national hunt flat race

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

Spotlight comment: €120,000 three-year-old; top yard won this with odds-on newcomer in 2023; firmly in calculations.

Old Park Star16:00 Sandown

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Jky: Freddie Gingell (3lb)Tnr: Paul Nicholls

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