Can we level it up? Punter v the Pro picks on Tolworth Hurdle day at Sandown

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

With Graeme away this week, tipping colleague Robbie Wilders steps in as the pro. Read more about Robbie below.

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.

To give yourself the chance to take on our pro in the future, sign up here to On The Nose and contact us at onthenose@racingpost.com.

The score so far: Punters 5-4 the Pro

The punter . . .

Name: Harry Philips (who returns for another go after the cold snap put paid to one of our efforts last month)

Occupation: Investment analyst specialising in industrial companies

Flat or jumps? Flat (just)

Favourite horse: Kybo (Josh Gifford) and Provideo (Bill O'Gorman) when I was younger. Also Commanche Falls, proper horse, proper trainer and proper jockey.

Favourite course: Epsom on the Flat and Plumpton over jumps

Biggest win: Geometrical at Huntingdon in October. I own a share in him and he's trained by a master in Toby Lawes. I was so insulted for the horse when he opened at 28-1 – I won more than £4,000.

I also had a very rare but decent Placepot win at Ayr just before Christmas, cornerstoned by three horses trained by the excellent James Ewart yard.

Unluckiest loser: Tarlo at Lingfield on the Thursday evening of Royal Ascot week. It would have been an Andrea Atzeni 3,308-1 Canadian.

. . . and the pro

Robbie Wilders joined the Racing Post tipping team in 2022 and is dubbed the Ante-Postman, with his free weekly newsletter aiming to give readers big-race success from long range. Robbie is a fan of big-priced winners and Irish racing.

The picks

1.50 Sandown

Harry:Corrigeen Rock

Corrigeen Rock is the call. He won really well at Sandown last time despite hitting the last. Grey Diamond's form is very strong – the two who beat him at Cheltenham in November have both won since – but I just worry if there is more rain and while he runs well, his win rate over fences is not high.

Robbie: Frero Banbou

Ground too quick on both runs this term but has shaped okay and dropped 2lb in the weights. Back to his preferred surface and has a win and a second in two starts at Sandown.

2.05 Wincanton

Harry: Interne De Sivola

He's only five and ran too free last time, and the run should bring him on. Jane Williams's horses are in good form so it looks set fair. Not Available is tempting on his best form, particularly back at two miles. And Desque De L'Isle, is he a Ludlow specialist?

Robbie: Another Crick

Always takes a run or two to get going and offered some encouragement when third at Lingfield in December. Landed this off 3lb higher last season.

2.25 Sandown

Harry: Authorised Speed

If Gary Moore says it's the strongest Tolworth in a long time, I'm not going to disagree with him. It was one of three but I'm going with Authorised Speed, who was toying with them last time until he hit the last. If the rain comes, he will cope. Tahmuras was very impressive but Haydock was a funny race and Sizing Pottsie has not franked the form. Arctic Bresil was also impressive but is stepping up in class, while Authorised Speed has proved it at a higher level.

Robbie: Nemean Lion

Testing conditions will catch plenty out but not this experienced Group 2-placed stayer on the Flat. Can build on two solid hurdle runs for Kerry Lee.

3.00 Sandown

Harry: Saint Xavier

Plenty of favourites in here and it hopefully means that the form is straightforward. I'm on Saint Xavier for another Lilly Pinchin winner plus 3lb having beat Up Helly and The Two Amigos last time. Ramses De Teillee is a proper threat and will like the ground but I'm not sure Ballyandy will. Maybe Snow Leopardess will need the run and Prime Venture won it last year. We just need these warriors to come back safe and sound.

Robbie: Coo Star Sivola

Entitled to improve from Haydock fifth in November following 595 days off on his stable debut for Venetia Williams and is seriously well handicapped off 127 at a course he likes.

3.15 Wincanton

Harry: Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico is very hard to overlook. He was impressive last time and the distance will suit. Short odds but a winner is a winner. Sir Psycho fell early after a near two-year break so can overlook this time.

Robbie: Chianti Classico

Defeat of subsequent Grade 2 winner Henri The Second in a maiden hurdle is red-hot form and can defy a lenient opening mark on his handicap debut.

3.35 Sandown

Harry: Lightly Squeeze

Lightly Squeeze is the call. He caught the eye at Kempton and can come on. It will be Iceo's first run in nearly a year and in tough conditions, so he will have to be immense (which he could be). Djelo needs to settle better and he has more potential cover this time, but has a little to prove.

Robbie: Hardy Du Seuil

Runner-up in a Grade 2 novice chase to Minella Drama on soft ground last season and is well treated off an 11lb lower hurdles mark.

Today's top offer

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Read Saturday's previews:

12.40 Sandown: 'We've had this race in mind all season' - Love Envoi primed for Listed success

1.15 Sandown: Gemirande out to sparkle for in-form Williams and Deutsch combination

1.30 Wincanton: 'He seems in great form' - Messire Des Obeaux returns after latest setback

1.50 Sandown: Corrigeen Rock bids to boost Lucinda Russell's Sandown record

2.25 Sandown: 'I couldn't be more pleased with him' - trainers on the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle

3.00 Sandown: Can Evan do it again? Prime Venture bids to repeat £100,000 veterans' final win

3.35 Sandown: 'He's still quite well treated' - who will win this competitive handicap hurdle?

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