The punters take a clear lead - but can G-Rod hit back and level the contest?

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.

Thursday's result:a narrow victory for the punters!

Despite both serving up two winners on the day, Andrew Hedley landed the spoils for the punters thanks to victories at 15-8 (Shewearsitwell) and 7-4 (Green Glory), at slightly bigger odds than G-Rod's at 5-6 (Gaillard Du Mesnil) and 8-11 (Zambella).

The score so far: Punters 4-3 the Pro

The punter . . .

Name: Alan Meston

Occupation: Business development executive and account manager

Flat or jumps? Jumps, it's more exciting

Favourite horse: Kauto Star

Favourite course: Cheltenham

Biggest win: Around £300 off a 25p each-way patent

Unluckiest loser: Far too many to name!

. . . 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

1.15 Newbury

Alan Meston: Gamaret

Won well on good to soft ground over the same distance last time out at Fontwell in February. Venetia Williams is in good form and Gamaret should like the ground with the recent weather softening it.

Graeme Rodway: Not Available

Didn't go a yard when tried over 3m at Ludlow last time but had previously looked to be coming back to form and this course-and-distance winner will appreciate the drop in trip.

1.35 Warwick

Alan: Farmer's Gamble

Langley Hundred is on a hat-trick bid and could be a bit stronger but he meets Farmer's Gamble again and I fancy Tristan Durrell to push his mount to get the win this time.

Graeme: Potters Hedger

Handicap mark is plummeting and this course-and-distance winner might have more to offer on just his second start for the in-form Charlie Longsdon.

1.50 Newbury

Alan: Pikar

Pikar is my choice for this race given his recent win at Chepstow. The biggest danger is Lady Adare, who brings some cracking form but could need this first start since February.

Graeme: Soaring Glory

Has a good record at this course and could outclass these rivals from the top of the weights with this longer trip promising to suit.

2.25 Newbury

Alan: Laskalin

Laskalin ran well after his wind op under similar conditions last time and I think he can repeat his win again on Saturday. Undersupervision looks like a shout for places but I feel Laskalin has the upper hand.

Graeme: Shanty Alley

Bounced back to form when second on his first start after wind surgery at Wetherby last time and can build on that promising effort.

3.00 Newbury

Alan: Hermes Allen

Has to carry 7lb more than Vicki Vale but he has a recent Cheltenham win and can chalk up another at Newbury for Paul Nicholls.

Graeme: Hermes Allen

Impressive winner at Cheltenham and has been aimed at this race since by Paul Nicholls, who has won the last two runnings.

3.35 Newbury

Alan: Nothin To Ask

Nothin To Ask won well in a novice handicap chase at Doncaster in November in similar conditions, and it seemed he would be suited by a longer trip so I think the extra three furlongs shouldn't be a problem.

Graeme: Doctor Ken

Has improved for the switch to chasing this season and is open to further progress for in-form trainer Olly Murphy.

Today's top offer

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Read Saturday's previews:

1.50 Newbury: 'I toyed with the idea of the Challow' - who's hopeful of a big handicap run?

2.10 Warwick: a win for Wynne? Keith Melrose expects a bold show from Moss in veterans' chase

2.25 Newbury: who will add their name to the glittering honour roll in the Mandarin Chase?

2.32 Punchestown: 'I think he'll take some beating' - can in-form Barry Connell bag valuable pot?

3.00 Newbury: 'It's as good a Challow as I can recall' - but can anyone stop Hermes Allen?

3.35 Newbury: 'Natural' Nothin To Ask just one of host of progressive novices in hot handicap

Punchestown: Any Second Now starts out on road to Aintree return in quality conditions hurdle

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