Punter v the Pro picks: Graeme Rodway continued his winning run last week - but can the punters strike back?
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 each 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 22-13 The Pro
The punter . . .
Name: Craig Thornton
Occupation: Textile development technician
Jumps or Flat? Predominantly the jumps but also love the Flat festivals
Favourite horse: Sprinter Sacre, a horse who knew himself how great he was
Favourite course: Cheltenham (jumps), York (Flat)
Biggest win: Fresh winning last year's International but I need to be careful as my wife reads the Racing Post! I will say Nashwan winning the 1989 Guineas and Derby, from which I pocketed a near four-figure ante-post sum – that wasn't too shabby back then!
Unluckiest loser: Annie Power in the Mares' Hurdle and Goshen in the Triumph, two that tested my love of the National Hunt game and of the Cheltenham Festival.
. . . and the pro
Graeme Rodway is one of the longest-serving members of the Racing Post's tipping and analysis team.
Twice a 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 hurdles races over jumps and staying races on the Flat.
The picks
Craig: Ey Up It's Maggie
She will love the ground and has a very eyecatching jockey booking in Paul Townend.
Graeme: Sugar Baby
Winner at Thirsk last month and confirmed he is progressing when second behind an improver at Musselburgh next time. Drawn wide when sixth at Beverley last time and could bounce back.
Craig: Cadeau Belle
Completely unexposed for a shrewd yard in what doesn't look a deep race on the figures.
Graeme: Cadeau Belle
Strong at the finish when making the leap from winning a maiden to land a Listed race at Navan last time and can maintain her unbeaten record.
Craig: Aberama Gold
I'm hoping David O'Meara has worked his magic on a horse who is extremely well handicapped and who should relish the likely soft ground.
Graeme: Barefoot Angel
Classy juvenile who won a Group 3 at Ayr last season and could bounce back from a poor run in the Nell Gwyn on her reappearance. She has had wind surgery since and will be a big player if back to her best.
Craig: Fresh
Should go very close to a repeat win from a 1lb lower mark than last year. He loves the course and 7f is his favourite trip nowadays – his excellent trainer is sure to have him primed.
Graeme: Lir Speciale
Progressive form last season and returned with an impressive victory at Kempton in May. Didn't get competitive in the Buckingham Palace over course and distance last time, but still has the potential to land a big handicap like this.
Craig: My Prospero
The class act in what looks like a poor and very winnable Group 2 race.
Graeme: Alflaila
Made relentless progress when winning his final three starts of last season and recorded a big career-best in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket last time. Further improvement is likely this year and he can take this en route to better things.
Craig: King Of Steel
I'm all over the two three-year-olds with the huge weight allowances, with the smallest of preferences for the Roger Varian horse to gain revenge on Auguste Rodin for his Derby defeat, when the winner had the benefit of a run.
Graeme: Auguste Rodin
Did well to run down King Of Steel in the Derby at Epsom after that rival got first run and, although only workmanlike when winning the Irish equivalent last time, he was well on top at the line. He only just does enough and has more to come.
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Published on inPunter v the Pro
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