Paul Nicholls: Three at Ascot and four at Taunton should racing go ahead

• Ascot race has been the plan for Brave Kingdom

• Trip looks ideal for Sans Bruit and he's ready to go

• Four chances in two races at Taunton

• Will racing go ahead at Ascot? Betfair Exchange market here

Ascot

14:25 - Brave Kingdom

He's got a decent record, winning four of his five starts for us and this £100,000 handicap has been the plan since he showed a good attitude to gain his latest success at Newbury in December. He has taken well to fences, his mark of 137 seems fair, he remains in good form at home and has a nice chance.

15:00 - Sans Bruit

I've entered him everywhere recently but he never gets to run because meetings are called off. This trip looks ideal for Sans Bruit who won five times over hurdles in France and has had a wind op since he ran there last summer. He is ready to go and I'm looking forward to seeing how he performs on his debut for us.

16:10 - Marvellous Mick

He won his only bumper in good style at Chepstow 13 months ago but needed time off after quite a bad bout of colic. I thought he ran really well on his return in a bumper at this track just before Christmas when he just needed the run and was staying on at the finish. He has come on plenty for that and has been schooling tidily ahead of this debut over hurdles.

Taunton

13:05 - Fire Flyer

He is another of our bumper winners from last season and I was pleased with his debut over hurdles a month ago at Newbury where he finished second behind a very useful type of Harry Fry's. He has come on for the experience and has a lovely chance.

13:05 - Soir de Gala

He has been backward and a bit disappointing so far in two starts this season. He didn't really finish his race on his first attempt over hurdles at Exeter on New Year's Day and needs time and experience.

14:50 - Chez Hans

Both of mine in this handicap hurdle have been off the track for a long time and will benefit from the outing. Chez Hands won five on the bounce in the summer of 2021 but has had his issues since then and this is his first race for 872 days so I am not expecting fireworks.

14:50 - Wild Max

He got a bit jarred up while summer jumping and hasn't run for 568 days. He took well to fences, winning three times, and will probably be going chasing again after this run over hurdles.

Now read Tony Calvin's weekend ITV Racing tips here.