Dave Nevison Thursday tips: head for Path Of Stars

Path Of Stars is a long-standing maiden of limited ability but will not many better opportunities than this. 

She is running consistently well  and likely put up ha career best when third at Sedgefield last time out. She was only beaten just over three lengths and is not in any deeper her. 

 The mare has shown her form on the prevailing good ground and this trip looks ideal. Also, Oscar Palmer is one of the most experienced riders in this field and has been riding winners this autumn. 

Provided he is over a fall last time, Offiah’s Boy could show himself favourably handicapped runner in this modest event. 

He looked set to show improved form when he fell three out at Exeter, but the handicapper has had little choice but to leave him on the same mark of 80. 

Joe Tickle has trained a winner in November and has run quite a few 200-1 shots, so it is misleading that he is on the cold list. 

Callum Pritchard takes off what is possibly the most valuable 5lb in the game at present and Offiah’s Boy has an obvious chance if staying on his feet.  

Pep Talking did me a big favour when a well-backed winner at Wetherby recently and off only a 4lb higher mark I am happy to back the gelding to follow up. 

Jumping is Pep Talking’s strength and given the way he handled the four fences in the home straight at Wetherby suggests he will be ideally suited by Wincanton, where the fences often take a toll in the final stages. 

A sharp track that suits horses who race from the front suggests Billy Aprahamian has found a  good opportunity here. Jack Andrews rode Pep Talking on his reappearance and his 3lb claim pretty much negates the higher mark.