Tipstar the final - meet the super six who will contest our final at Cheltenham

Who will win the final of Tipstar at Cheltenham on Friday? This year our six finalists range in age from 21 to 59 and include a deputy headteacher and university lecturer - watch our introductory video, the live draw conducted on Thursday and read a little more about our finalists!.

The judging was based on a blend of presentation skills, the rationale behind the tip, and the tip itself.

Learn more about those in the running for a first prize that includes £1,000, a punditry shift on Racing UK, a year's subscription to Racing UK, and of course the fame!

On Thursday each was allotted a race to preview/review - see who has got which race in our accompanying video.

Sky Bet, BetVictor and Paddy Power are all betting on the outcome, which will be known at the end of our broadcast from Prestbury Park on Friday. Who wins for you?

Age: 21. Based: Epsom. Profession: Social Media Executive. Sky Bet odds: 5-1

Where does your racing interest come from: I became hooked on the sport as a young kid thanks to my Dad and Grandad’s interest in the sport and grew up watching racing.

Why did you enter: I’ve aspired to be a presenter since my teenage years. I followed the competition last year but couldn’t enter as I was still studying at university. This year, everyone I know has encouraged me to have a go.

What are your qualities: I’m confident, feel comfortable in front of the camera and am keen to fly the flag for the younger generation of racing fans. I spend hours studying the form book every week and take pride in my knowledge of racing at all levels.

Age: 33. Based: Nottingham. Profession: Deputy Headteacher. Sky Bet odds: 5-1

Where does your racing interest come from: I started having very small stake football accumulators and then betting more at university and my interest in racing followed. I became determined to teach myself everything I could about all aspects of racing from simple things like understanding the card to more complicated things like breeding lines.

Why did you enter: Most of my spare time is dedicated to my passion for racing and I have become increasingly keen for something more to come of my hobby. My ambition is to work in the racing industry and that is why I entered Tipstar!

What are your qualities: I spend lots of time preparing my case for any particular horse. I have tipped a host of big-priced winners including two at 50-1 (Litigant in 2015 and Perfect Pasture this year). I very rarely tip a favourite and always look for a ‘value’ selection.

Age: 37. Based: Glasgow.Profession: Emergency services worker. Sky Bet odds: 7-2.

Where does your racing interest come from: My Dad, really, as he took me to my first tracks (Redcar and Wetherby) as a boy.

Why did you enter: For the free mug!

What are your qualities: My attire is always supremely coordinated and I excel in picking a second place.

4 John Begg. Race to preview/review: 2.30:

Age: 59. Based: Derby. Profession: University engineering lecturer. Sky Bet odds: 7-2.

Where does your racing interest come from: My parents ran a pub in Preston so there was always lots of racing chat. My first bet was a winner – Credit Call in Foxhunters at Aintree in 1975 so I was immediately hooked. I have been an owner on a small scale through syndicates and will always remember my first winner Keep Calm in September 2015 at my local track, Uttoxeter.

Why did you enter: I entered because I like to win (who doesn't) and one of my sons (a TV and radio studies graduate) thinks I can be the face of racing. He thinks I have work to do though and has given me useful advice. I would love to have the opportunity to travel around the country reporting on my passion.

What are your qualities: My current occupation should mean that I can present well. You have to be good at interpreting the data and being an engineer I like to think that this is a strength I also love problem-solving and a horse race represents an intellectual challenge that I can't resist. I am a TRIZ expert (TRIZ is a technique for problem solving originating from Russia) and I am trying to adapt to racing so watch this space!

Age: 22. Based: Sandbach. Profession : Fleet Sales Account Manager. Sky Bet odds: 5-1.

Where does your racing interest come from: My family got me into racing from a young age and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Why did you enter: I’m a keen viewer of Racing UK and racing in general, it has always been a dream of mine to work in the Industry and I saw the competition as a good opportunity to accomplish that.

What are your qualities: I feel I have a lot to offer, I’m knowledgeable about racing, personable and hope to encourage more people into the sport.

Age: 24. Based: Bedford. Profession: Teacher. Sky Bet odds: 4-1.

Where does your racing interest come from: I always enjoyed going racing with my Dad and Grandad and I loved talking to them both every Saturday about their bets. My interest and understanding in horse racing developed from then on.

Why did you enter: I entered because I enjoy talking about racing. After recently losing my Grandad I find being involved with racing makes me feel that little bit closer to him. Entering the Tipstar! competition was a fun way to do that.

What are your qualities: As a tipster I feel my best qualities are that while I am able to understand the form, I don’t follow it blindly. I follow my gut feelings and I never change my mind. As a presenter I feel I can bring a little bit of sparkle to viewers.