Punter v the Pro picks: who will come out on top in today's head-to-head tipping showdown?

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 18-8 The Pro

The punter . . .

Name: Dianne Abrahamson

Occupation: SEND teaching assistant

Favourite horse: Frankel. His majestic win in the 2011 2,000 Guineas was awesome.

Favourite course: We love the northern courses but Catterick is my favourite. Friendly and ideal as we utilise the family enclosure for a picnic with the kids and the dogs. It's an ideal day out.

Biggest win: I tend to bet each-way to get my money's worth so not a major win. A £240 win was a thrill for me.

Unluckiest loser: Esha Ness, in the 1993 Grand National, 'the race that never was'. I had money on at 50-1.

. . . 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

1.30 Ascot

Dianne: Sir Rumi

A good win last time out gives him a great chance of beating the favourite Nathanael Greene.

Sir Rumi13:30 Ascot

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Jky: Kevin Stott Tnr: Richard Hannon

Graeme: Nathanael Greene

The William Haggas stable has been back among the winners this week and Nathanael Greene looks open to further improvement this season.

Nathanael Greene13:30 Ascot

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Jky: Adam Farragher (3lb)Tnr: William Haggas

2.05 Ascot

Dianne: Mountain Song

A step up in grade, but I can see a good run for your money from this Godolphin filly.

Mountain Song14:05 Ascot

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Jky: Harry Davies (3lb)Tnr: Charlie Appleby

Graeme: Timeless Melody

Won well on heavy ground at Leicester last time and the form has worked out well. Could be another for William Haggas and Adam Farragher.

Timeless Melody14:05 Ascot

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Jky: Adam Farragher (3lb)Tnr: William Haggas

2.40 Ascot

Dianne: Zip

A favourite horse of mine and and I like the trainer too. He could get involved at a big price.

Zip14:40 Ascot

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Jky: Callum Hutchinson (3lb)Tnr: Richard Fahey

Graeme: Ropey Guest

Course specialist who is 3lb lower than when fifth in the race last year and loves soft ground. Sure to run well.

Ropey Guest14:40 Ascot

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Jky: J F Egan Tnr: George Margarson

3.00 Lingfield

Dianne: Be Happy

With a top jockey and trainer combination, she looks the horse to beat.

Be Happy15:00 Lingfield (A.W)

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Jky: Ryan Moore Tnr: A P O'Brien

Graeme: Eternal Hope

Stayed on strongly to beat a subsequent winner over 1m2f at Chelmsford last time and sure to improve for the step up to 1m4f.

Eternal Hope15:00 Lingfield (A.W)

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Jky: William Buick Tnr: Charlie Appleby

3.15 Haydock

Dianne: Parramount

Goes well fresh and looks good for an each-way place at least.

Parramount15:15 Haydock

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Jky: Aidan Coleman Tnr: Charlie Longsdon

Graeme: Parramount

Went off too quickly in a hot handicap at Aintree last time, but had previously been progressing well and is fancied to bounce back.

Parramount15:15 Haydock

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Jky: Aidan Coleman Tnr: Charlie Longsdon

3.35 Lingfield

Dianne: Military Order

Should start as favourite and has great chance with trainer Charlie Appleby in good form.

Military Order15:35 Lingfield (A.W)

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Jky: William Buick Tnr: Charlie Appleby

Graeme: Military Order

Holds a class edge on the form of his impressive Newbury novice win and can cement his Derby claims for Charlie Appleby and William Buick.

Military Order15:35 Lingfield (A.W)

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Jky: William Buick Tnr: Charlie Appleby

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Graeme Rodway's play of the day at Haydock

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