THE BERNIE THE BOOK COLUMN
UP FOR CUP – HAMMERS TO STRIKE A BLOW FOR MOYES HAPPY NEW YEAR! Nothing highlights the competitive nature of our domestic game than the first Saturday in January and the third round of the FA Cup (and although this year it is technically the second Saturday, let’s not accuracy get in the way of a good story. But days of minnows beating the Big Boys on a muddy pitch in front of a raucous crowd are thin and far between and perhaps the shocks we look forward to are more directed to the weakened line ups and scant disregard some of the elite (and even from those Premier clubs looking to stay up) have for our oldest competition. But that merely gives us the opportunity to go under the radar with some tasty tips. It is my belief that of the Big 6, only Man City, Man Utd and Spurs will be concentrating on victory but their odds are frankly paltry especially when you consider that Man City, due to fixture commitments in Europe at the semi final stage of the Champions League invariably results in a weakened team for the F A Cup at the business end of the competition. NO, far better to look around for value and my two against the field are WEST HAM UNITED and to a lesser extent CRYSTAL PALACE. The Hammers are freely available at 25/1 and represent outstanding value. Consider their desire to win silverware, their competitive home record and their partisan fans and factor in their astute manager and there is a record for success.
My second choice is a bit more left field in another London club, the Palace, who at a massive 66/1 will give a good account of themselves. Consider, that’s 33/1 for a place in the final. Back them both now! Away from footy, the second leg of snookers triple crown, the Masters from Wembley happens this month and is ultra competitive. Never has there been so little between the elite and the white hot atmosphere in the conference centre makes for great theatre. One who has rediscovered his form is NEIL ROBERTSON and at 11/2 is great value. The wizard of Wishaw, John Higgins is Mr Bottle and the best of 11 format will bring out the best in him. 10/1 is exceptional value. Briefly, I still maintain the LA RAMS, if they get their act together are fantastic value for the Superbowl and one team that I want to keep on my side (even though they will be ranked 5, 6 or 7 in the AFC) is the COLTS, current odds are 10/1 and 18/1 but this month is the start of our ante-posts for Cheltenham December saw top rated action in Ireland and England and a picture is now emerging about likely targets for the top rated horses from the top yards.
JANUARY 2022
My initial thoughts are (I would have two unit doubles and trebles on the five selections…20 bets)
SUPREME NOVICES – TUESDAY Let’s get the meeting off to a profitable start with the very first race. Nicky Henderson seems to have this all wrapped up with the top 2 in the betting and my preference is for CONSTITUTION HILL at 9/2
ARKLE CHASE – TUESDAY I am not totally convinced about Ferny Hollow,there is some- thing in his jumping that I question,so a tentative choice is for EDWARDSTONE for Alan King at 5/1.
BALLYMORE NOVICES – WEDNESDAY Wow!
..Wow! JOURNEY WITH ME was so ultra competitive over Christmas for Jessie H and is unquestionably my nap of the meeting at 7/1 for the 2½ mile novices
CHAMPION CHASE – WEDNESDAY Injury last year robbed us of the clash between Shishkin and ENERGUMENE..BUT both are on course for a Champion showdown and Willie M will serve it up on Tony (shrewdy) Blooms star 11/4!! 11/4!! Take it now.
STAYERS – THURSDAY Another Mullins hotpot in KLASSICAL DREAM, classy over Christmas and capable for putting his rivals to the sword. Yes he is favourite at 5/2 but absolute banker material. In conclusion. I know I have advocated doubles and trebles but for reference, and those of a strong disposition, the accumulator pays 34,650/1. And finally, let’s muse over a New Year’s special with bet365 which took my eye – let me give you a scenario. Big bucks Newcastle (I know they have a holistic approach with Eddie Howe) just survive but can’t attract the players they need because of the manager or the weather or whatever. Or in 2022 the likes of Leicester or Arsenal or even Everton swap their managers – then who better than JOSE MOURINHO to return again to the Premier League? He is not quite a busted flush and would relish a project. As I said it’s possible? Isn’t it? And at 12/1 for the Portuguese to MANAGE ANY PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 2022, its got to be worth a bottle of Mateus Rose? Until next time
Bernie the Book 77
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