THE BERNIE THE BOOK COLUMN
CASPER TO BOSS PARIS CLAY AT ROLAND GARROS
You might remember in last month’s column I argued the case for Rafa Nadal achieving a mind boggling 16th grand slam on the clay at my personal favourite tennis event, (Roland Garros) but sadly his recovery from a muscular problem is taking longer than expected and he had to withdraw. Whether this means a prelude to retirement remains to be seen but this particular Spaniard won’t be winning. That’s not to say the new wunderkid, Carlos Alcarez, won’t as he is World No 1, a clay court specialist and US Open champion. So what’s not to like?? In truth, the price, at a paltry 6/4 and also the draw as his likely semi-final opponent is none other than Djokovic and I have a feeling that the semi might be his final. Which leaves backing in the other side of the draw that much more palatable and after a strong clay court season so far, last year’s finalist CASPER RUDD is full of confidence and a sound alternative to Alcarez. As the tournament is now IN- PLAY, odds will vary markedly but I would estimate 6/1 to 13/2 will be easily found.
hole tournaments (Latin) golfer might win and at a mouthwatering 20/1. That golfer is CAMERON SMITH, who appears back to his best. The layout
You might also remember that last month, a LIV Golfer (Brooks Koepka) won the second major of the year in New York, the US PGA and clearly the tempestuous upheaval of the Saudi backed circuit is becoming more acceptable. Don’t be surprised if (not this year but in two years’ time) the mercenaries or shrewd financial product (you choose) are eligible to play in the Ryder Cup and therefore, fully integrated and accepted and even the dearth of the European tour. But that’s for another day. However the third Grand Slam is upon us on a brute of a course in San Fran. Yes it’s the US Open and I think another LIV (so named because they play 54
PHTM JUNE 2023
and severity of the course will suit the Aussie. My alternative is laid back San Francisco native Patrick Cantlay at a respectable 33/1 (each way) – success in the Majors is now overdue. Football is being wound up for another season (let me rephrase.. another nine weeks!!) with only the Europa Conference League left (West Ham) and the Champions League (Man City)…but the bookies are already betting on next year!!. They say the early bird etc. etc. and at a standout price I think CHELSEA will challenge hard now that Poch is in situ. 16/1 is widely available to win the Premier League and at a 1/3 the odds the first two, that’s 5/1 a place for coming runner-up to Pep and that’s not discounting the statistical unlikeliness of four successive championships. And finally, assuming the non-appointment of someone to take over at Spurs in the next few days, then what about a cheeky little bet on
THOMAS
TUCHEL? What I hear you say, he is manager at
Bayern? Stranger things can happen in footy and even though he is not in the betting yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a bet on him. As for me I negotiated 50/1 last Wednesday. Cappice? As for Royal Ascot? COLTRANE in the Gold Cup on the Thursday (9/2) and PADDINGTON in the St James’ Palace (7/2). Good punting…
Bernie the Book 87
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