Dave Nevison's Thursday tips: three best bets at Hamilton

I tipped this horse up last time and he ran well to be second at double-figure odds showing that he is now down to a mark that he can win off once more.

That was over seven furlongs which is possibly ideal, but I feel that a strongly run six furlongs, especially at a track with a stiff uphill finish, might enable him to win at this trip.

Novak has scored over this course and distance in the past and Iain Jardine has booked a decent 5lb claimer to reduce his burden further.

Pearl Eye has run two very encouraging races since he joined Jim Goldie from Gay Kellaway and can make it third time lucky for his new yard.

The handicapper has generously dropped him 1lb for his arguably unlucky defeat last time (got going too late) which means Pearl Eye will be off a mark 12lb lower than his last win at Doncaster last march (awarded race by stewards) and is definitely capable of landing one. The trip and ground are no issue.

Gallus Norman only started racing as a six-year-old when he was behind in two Bumpers, but the penny seems very much to be dropping now and he looked impressive when breaking his maiden last time in a similar grade handicap at Musselburgh.

That race was over two miles and he looked a strong stayer, but I am happy to take a chance that he will be capable of scoring again over this shorter trip.

It looks likely that he is simply an improving animal and is off a very good mark for now. Lauren Young’s 5lb is a very valuable allowance.