Can G-Rod claw back the deficit? Get today's Punter v the Pro picks

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 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 the following day in On The Nose, 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 11-6 The Pro

The punter . . .

Name: Pete Gough

Occupation: Retired postman and has shares in a couple of Owners Group horses

Flat or jumps? I was brought up with the old school lot of the Flat, but I still like my jumps

Favourite horse: Rainbow Rebel. He won the Old Newton Cup in 2018 at Haydock, ridden by Joe Fanning who's a good friend of mine – it really was a memorable day.

Favourite course: York on the Flat and Wetherby over jumps – both local

Biggest win: Ayala in the 1963 Grand National (he won at 66-1)

Unluckiest loser: Special Envoy on the Thursday of the Grand National meeting in 2007. He went seven lengths clear and he was 20-1, coming to last and he spreadeagled and that was that!

. . . 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 a period of more than ten years and now specialises in hurdles races over jumps and staying races on the Flat.

The picks

1.50 Kelso

Pete: Teddy Blue

He's an improving horse and I think he could be one for the top in the future. He's coming a long way from the south of England and Gary Moore is a shrewd operator.

Teddy Blue20:35 Kelso

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Jky: Tnr:

Graeme: Teddy Blue

Progressive hurdler who was a good third at Newbury last time and can take another step up. Gary Moore sends him on the long trip north.

Teddy Blue20:35 Kelso

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Jky: Tnr:

2.10 Newbury

Pete: Dargiannini

He's got very low mileage for an eight-year-old and he won last time out. He's got to have a squeak.

Dargiannini20:35 Newbury

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Jky: Tnr:

Graeme: Pileon

Christian Williams has won big races on the last two Saturdays and can be trusted to have Pileon to cash in on a mark 6lb lower than when last winning.

Pileon20:35 Newbury

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Jky: Tnr:

2.25 Kelso

Pete: Nemean Lion

He's a very consistent horse, I think he'll like the course and he should put up a bold show.

Nemean Lion20:35 Kelso

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Jky: Tnr:

Graeme: Banjaxed

I really don't know who is going to win this race and it's not a contest that I would ever bet in. It's wide open so I'll take a chance on Banjaxed, who is a long way behind the best on what they have achieved but is potentially classy.

Banjaxed20:35 Kelso

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Jky: Tnr:

2.45 Newbury

Pete: Paint The Dream

He loves the track. He won the same race last year and arrives in good or even better form this year than he did last.

Paint The Dream20:35 Newbury

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Jky: Tnr:

Graeme: The Big Bite

Third in this race two years ago and now 11lb lower. Goes well with time between his races and has had a break. Could go well with cheekpieces on.

The Big Bite20:35 Newbury

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Jky: Tnr:

3.00 Kelso

Pete: Nells Son

He was by no means disgraced at Cheltenham when finishing in sixth last time. He should be there or thereabouts.

Nells Son20:35 Kelso

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Jky: Tnr:

Graeme: Nells Son

Won the Grade 2 novice hurdle on this card last year and appears to have been trained with this race in mind. Can go well with wind surgery to help.

Nells Son20:35 Kelso

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Jky: Tnr:

3.15 Doncaster

Pete: Cooper's Cross

He's a horse who is definitely on the up and he would be my nap on any day!

Cooper's Cross20:35 Doncaster

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Jky: Tnr:

Graeme: Cooper's Cross

Better than ever when beating subsequent winner Cap Du Nord over course and distance last time and open to enough improvement to overcome a 5lb rise in the weights.

Cooper's Cross20:35 Doncaster

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Jky: Tnr:

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