The pesky punters are back in front - but can G-Rod level it up again?
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 , 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 6-5 The Pro
The punter . . .
Name: Russell Collins
Flat or jumps? Flat
Favourite horse: Grundy. With my favourite all-time jockey (Pat Eddery) on board, they made for a formidable team. I never saw a horse stand out so much to me until I saw the beast that was Frankel.
Favourite course: Newbury
Biggest win: Pineau De Re (2014 Grand National) – I had a nifty early doors at 28-1
Unluckiest loser: Golden Chieftain (2016 Midlands National). He fell at the last when seven lengths clear – I was gutted (had a score on at 20s).
. . . 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
Russell: Recuerdame
Course-and-distance winner with Paddy Bradley up again claiming 3lb.
Graeme: Catch My Breath
He is now 8lb lower than when last successful at this course and 6lb lower than when a good third at Southwell in October. A reproduction of that form would probably be good enough.
Russell: Obsidian Knight
Ran a decent race behind Barenboim and must go close with Tom Marquand on board.
Graeme: Pistoletto
Shaped like he was on his way back to form when third over course and distance last month and returns to this 1m2f trip off a mark 12lb lower when last successful at a track that suits.
Russell: Poetic Force
Being an avid supporter of our female riding brigade, Mollie Phillips is another one of our rising stars. Her mount has a nice weight and her 3lb claim to boot.
Graeme: Revolutionise
Three-time winner off higher marks than this on the all-weather and showed he is still in good heart when successful at Wolverhampton in November. The return here should suit.
Russell: Aiming High
As the name suggests, I'm taking a chance on an outsider. She shaped okay at Newmarket last year and has Hayley Turner up, who rides the track well.
Graeme: Makinmedoit
Did best of the hold-up performers when second to Al Agaila over course and distance last time and has a 10lb pull in the weights for two and a half lengths. She can reverse the form.
Russell: Pop Dancer
Course-and-distance winner with Luke Morris, who recently surpassed 2,000 winners in Britain, on board will do for me.
Graeme: Stone Of Destiny
Formerly classy turf sprinter who is lightly raced since joining Mick Appleby's yard and looks capable of making his mark on the all-weather around a sharp track like Lingfield.
Russell: Asdaa
A recent Chelmsford scorer, and hopefully another winner for Charlie Johnston in his quest to beat his father Mark's total in years to come. Shop around for a price if you pardon the pun.
Graeme: Starshiba
Dual course-and-distance winner who is still well handicapped on his best form and rates a solid bet to follow up last week's course win off just a 4lb higher mark.
Today's top offer
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Read Saturday's previews:
Paul Kealy's play of the day at Lingfield
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