Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat Decs: Beau Balko should go close at Stratford

• Paul Nicholls on his weekend runners pair

• Beau Balko has good chance on Saturday

• Afadil one of six in action at Ascot on Sunday

Paul Nicholls has a couple of runners at Stratford on Saturday, starting with Beau Balko who runs after winning a conditional jockeys handicap hurdle last time out.

Paul said: "I have had this race in mind since he won at Sandown. It's a qualifier for the £100K Novice Handicap Series Final at Sandown on the last day of the season (four weeks on Saturday).

"I would like to think he would go close to winning but most importantly be the first four to qualify for Sandown."

The second is Banteer in the concluding bumper with Betfair ambassador Bryony Frost taking the ride.

Paul said: "He ran very well when second first time out at Exeter. He's very much a staying novice hurdler for next season.

"He's probably not a sharp bumper sort but the thing with the ground being testing is that it will help. If he stays and gallops then he must have a lovely chance."

Afadil leads the way at Ascot

On Sunday at Ascot, Paul has six entries with Afadil and Blueking D'Oroux both set to run for him in the Juvenile Handicap.

He said: "Afadil was very unlucky at Cheltenham. He actually ran very well if you look at that race.

"Harry is very keen for him to run in the race so we are hoping he has a good chance."

"How Blueking D'Oroux has a mark of 127 is totally beyond me... He's got no chance of that mark. He needs a more realistic chance and to get some experience for next summer."

Dolos runs in the next race. He pulled up last time out at Sandown.

"It was a bit odd (the race at Sandown) but it happens from time to time. He's not getting any younger. He's got to carry 12 stone so he's got it all to do."

Watch Paul Nicholls on his Saturday runners