Punter v the Pro picks: can G-Rod get another one back in his battle against the punters?

Introducing Punter v the Pro, our 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 16-8 The Pro

The punter . . .

Name: Mike Bennett

Occupation: Business consultant. As a hobby, about seven years ago, I started InsideTraxs, which provides hints and tips to help Betfair traders get an edge. I have built a small following and have 100 videos on YouTube. Now I think I am spending more time doing it rather than my consultancy!

Flat or jumps? Definitely Flat as I love predicting how the race will be run, understanding the quirks of different tracks and knowing the draw and pace biases. Of course I also like jumps as well, but not as much!

Favourite horse: Stradivarius – the courage of a lion.

Favourite course: The Knavesmire or Glorious Goodwood – just can't split them.

Biggest win: About a year ago every one of the five tips I gave in the daily newsletter came in. Luckily I put a £1 win Canadian and a £1 each-way accumulator on and won £2,300, which was decent.

Unluckiest loser: I got a tip from one of the owners of Oh So Risky that he would win the Champion Hurdle. That was in November '91. So I put £50 each-way on at 33/1. My fiancee (now wife) and I then went to Cheltenham to watch. He was challenging over the last but got beat half a length. Still hoarse from shouting, we then heard bing bong, stewards' inquiry. There definitely was interference going over, and coming away from, the last. FIVE excruciating minutes later – result stands! Would have been £2,100 odd but instead I got about £380 back!

. . . 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

1.05 Sandown

Mike: Under Control

Classy filly who travels beautifully. Won with ease on her British debut after a stunning first run in France, but was then pitched in the deep end in the mares' novice hurdle at Cheltenham. Back in control last time and same again here.

Under Control13:05 Sandown

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Jky: Nico de Boinville Tnr: Nicky Henderson

Graeme: Kansas Du Berlais

Heavy ground winner who is one of the youngest in the field and is open to plenty of improvement for Gary Moore, who loves a winner at Sandown.

Kansas Du Berlais13:05 Sandown

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Jky: Jamie Moore Tnr: Gary Moore

1.40 Sandown

Mike: Captain Guinness

Jonbon is the obvious choice but at the price I'll take him on with Captain Guinness, who needs only to repeat his Queen Mother run to go very close.

Captain Guinness13:40 Sandown

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Jky: Rachael Blackmore Tnr: Henry De Bromhead

Graeme: Captain Guinness

The only horse to give Energumene any kind of race in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham and appears to have improved. Likes soft ground.

Captain Guinness13:40 Sandown

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Jky: Rachael Blackmore Tnr: Henry De Bromhead

2.15 Sandown

Mike: Kitty's Light

Everybody loves Frodon's front-running heroics. But this is a bit far for him I think, so I'll go with the clearly well-handicapped stayer Kitty's Light, who impressed in the Scottish Grand National. Rain will improve his cause.

Kitty's Light14:15 Sandown

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Jky: Jack Tudor Tnr: Christian Williams

Graeme: The Goffer

His fourth behind Corach Rambler and Fastorslow at Cheltenham looks strong form now and he can be forgiven a poor run at Fairyhouse last time.

The Goffer14:15 Sandown

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Jky: Sean Bowen Tnr: Gordon Elliott

2.50 Sandown

Mike: Solo

A few of these are coming back down the handicap after past glories, while Solo is on the up. Should give you a run for your money if repeating his front-running tactics, taking Hewick off his feet?

Solo14:50 Sandown

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Paul Nicholls

Graeme: Hewick

Was still in contention when taking a fall at the second last in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham last time and holds a class edge.

Hewick14:50 Sandown

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Jky: Rachael Blackmore Tnr: John Joseph Hanlon

3.05 Leicester

Mike: Dashing Roger

Heavy ground at Leicester is a nightmare and form can go out the window. They finished like jumps horses at the last meeting. Dashing Roger, who is down from a rating of 104 to 88 (after running in top-class handicaps), won easily off this mark over course and distance two years ago on heavy ground. I'm hoping he's fit enough after a 204-day break.

Dashing Roger15:05 Leicester

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Jky: Andrea Atzeni Tnr: William Stone

Graeme: Al Mubhir

Lightly raced four-year-old from a top yard who ran well when fifth in the Lincoln at Doncaster. Should improve and William Buick is booked.

Al Mubhir15:05 Leicester

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Jky: William Buick Tnr: William Haggas

3.25 Sandown

Mike: Harper's Brook

Harper's Brook jumps and travels well. After a good start to his chasing career, he went well for a long way in the Ultima. Back down in trip and in calmer waters, he could be the one to beat Cap Du Mathan for Ben Pauling.