Can this week's punter take down the pro? Find out who they've picked this week

Introducing Punter v the Pro, our new tipping competition in which Racing Post readers go head-to-head with top tipster Graeme Rodway.

The format is simple: the punter and the pro both give six Saturday selections in ITV races decided by us and whoever comes out on top based on level-stakes profit to SP is the winner. The prize? Sheer pride!

The results will be shared every Sunday in , our free daily newsletter.

The punter . . .

Name: Paul Stephenson

Occupation: now retired, formerly HR director

Flat or jumps? Jumps, definitely. You get to know the horses better and there's a more authentic audience. You can't beat the craic you get at the big meetings like Cheltenham.

Favourite horse: There have been so many favourites over the years. They're usually characters, with more than a few quirks. I can relate to those types of horses. My current favourite is For Pleasure, especially in his novice days when he would tear off in his races looking almost unrideable. He seems to have calmed down a bit this season, but is not necessarily the better for it.

Favourite course: Cheltenham over jumps and Beverley on the Flat (I was brought up a stone's throw from the course).

Biggest win: My best win, I suppose, came shortly after I'd started working in the early 1980s when salaries weren't massive. I'd not long been betting and had three doubles and a treble. The last leg involved a Jimmy FitzGerald horse called Fragrant Dawn. It was a typical Jimmy FitzGerald gamble in that she was well backed before the off and won hard held. I picked up £780 for a £10 bet (over two months' salary at the time), and the next day The Sporting Life had a picture of Fragrant Dawn skipping clear with her rivals appearing as dots on the horizon. I got a photo montage made up with the picture and a copy of the cheque from the bookmaker.

Unluckiest loser: Annie Power was the one that hurt. Like many, I did the Willie Mullins horses ante-post and stood to win four figures from a £10 bet.

. . . and the pro

Graeme Rodway is one of the longest-serving members of the Racing Post's tipping and analysis team.

A two-time top-three finisher in the Flat version of the national naps competition under the pseudonym 'The Edge', G-Rod has a proven record of tipping success over more than ten years and now specialises in hurdle races over jumps and staying races on the Flat.

The picks

1.20 Newbury

Paul:Killer Kane

Made a satisfactory return at Exeter and yet he's been dropped a couple of pounds to 128, which seems generous for a horse who may still be improving.

Graeme:Jacamar

Can be forgiven a couple of poor runs in races that wouldn't have been ideal and could bounce back on his favoured ground at his ideal trip.

1.55 Newbury

Paul:Walking On Air

He wasn't ready for the Aintree Grade 1 last season but he has an entry in the Stayers' in March, so he should run well here if that's to be justified. Lord Baddesley is an each-way alternative with Sky Bet paying five places.

Graeme:Lord Baddesley

Improving handicapper who bolted up at Plumpton last time. He has gone up 9lb, but has progressed well this season and can take another step forward.

2.30 Newbury

Paul:Teddy Blue

I really fancied Pikar to run a huge race but, in his absence, Teddy Blue may turn around the form with Boombawn.

Graeme: First Street

Gave 1lb to State Man in the County Hurdle last season and was beaten less than two lengths. A reproduction of that form should be good enough.

3.05 Newbury

Paul:Busselton

I liked the way Busselton battled at Limerick last time, and even though Hewick looked to have his measure at the last, that could turn out to be decent form.

Graeme:Corach Rambler

Produced a stunning display to land the Ultima last season and not many would have been able to win from such an unpromising position. He is 7lb higher, but might be a Gold Cup dark horse.

3.25 Newcastle

Paul:Happygolucky

If it was just a prep race, there are plenty of places closer to home that Kim Bailey could run Happygolucky, and there are few better trainers at returning chasers after a break. I'm a big fan of Dingo Dollar as well. He's a real trier who has been rejuvenated by the excellent Sandy Thomson.

Graeme:L'Homme Presse

One of the outstanding novice chasers of last season who should prove a class apart back in handicap company on his seasonal reappearance.

3.40 Newbury

Paul:Only Money

If he can repeat his last run Amarillo Sky will be hard to beat, although confidence is tempered slightly as he's never won two in a row. In the absence of Eclair D'Ainay, I'll take a chance on Only Money, who will relish the return to better ground and can complete a good day for Chris Gordon.

Graeme:Bun Doran

Looks well handicapped off the same mark as when last successful at Doncaster last season, goes well fresh and has form at this course.

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Saturday's race previews:

1.20 Newbury: 'He's the ideal horse for it' - can Kapcorse strike again for Paul Nicholls?

1.55 Newbury: can West Balboa keep Walking On Air grounded in this competitive handicap?

2.10 Newcastle: 'I hope it's not a tactical affair' - Constitution Hill ready for Fighting Fifth

2.30 Newbury: is First Street the one? Nicky Henderson bids to enhance Gerry Feilden record

3.05 Newbury: 'He's come on a treat for the run' - key trainer quotes for 2022 Coral Gold Cup

3.25 Newcastle: L'Homme Presse the star turn in Rehearsal - analysis and key quotes

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