THE BERNIE THE BOOK COLUMN
SUMMER IS HERE AND SO ARE THE BALLYDOYLE BATTALIONS
I make no apologies for starting this month’s column with a nap at slightly odds on, but at the O2 in a couple of weeks, the Premier League darts season ends and there is surely only one winner in Warring- ton’s LUKE (the Nuke ) LITTLER. First to ten legs for both semi-final and final, this should be a straight crap shoot between the two LUKES, but the teenager has the eagle eye over the current World No 1. Humphries probably scores a bigger three-dart average and more 180s, but and it’s a big but, Littler finishes brilliantly, a bit reminiscent of MvG in his heyday. Take the 5/6, 10/11, whatever you can get, as he is in my mind a certainty.
It’s time for the Oaks and Derby next weekend and now all the clues are in, lets lay down our marker.
THE DERBY
All the chatter is around the seemingly poor performance of The Lion in Winter (TLIW) in last month’s Dante trial. With Bally- doyle sweeping all before them in all the other trials, the running of the previous ante-post Derby favourite and champion two-year old, (TLIW) left a lot to be desired and he is now third favourite. Jockey bookings (that is, which Ballydoyle runner Ryan Moore will pick) will make whatever Ballydoyle representative the likely favourite and I fancy the chances of DELACROIX, currently Burling- ton Bertie (100/30). His form in the Derrinstown and the Ballysax make him my number one pick. Away from O’Brien, I don’t think Ruling Court will stay, and the form of the Dante winner, Pride of Arras isn’t up to standard. No it’s Delacroix pour moi.
THE OAKS
One of the main trials for the Oaks is the Musidora but this year it didn’t rock my boat. One trial which is often overlooked is the Pretty Polly at Newmarket but because it’s run at the Guineas meeting and five weeks before Epsom, it is never definitive. In the immediate aftermath of FALAKAYEH’s victory for Shadwell, the astute trainer, Owen Burrows, cast
PHTM JUNE 2025
doubt about the winner lining up and 12/1 was readily available. This morning I see shrewd money has con- tracted that price to 7/1. Take the hint in the ultra im- pressive winner. Desert Flower was also lauded in the 1,000 Guineas and is 5/2 favourite, but I wasn’t as im- pressed with her performance as others. You pays your money….blah,blah,blah (you fill in the rest).
RUGBY (both codes)
This month also sees the conclusion of the Gallagher sponsored Premiership in Rugby Union and the Challenge Cup in League. BATH have this year been
head and shoulders above all others and can secure the crown at 4/6 .Couple this with HULL KR at 11/8 and the double pays a shade under 3/1.
FRENCH OPEN
Still in the early rounds, I never- theless think my antepost selec- tion of Casper Rudd is worth backing, but having seen the re- cent Italian Open, I think of the big two, Sinner will have the eagle eye on Alcaraz, but unless you want to shell out big bucks, then follow my tip.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
Yes, its not a typo I did say 2026!! Sometimes you have to sew your seeds early to reap the rewards! And with the announcement of the greatest club manager, to manage in one of the most iconic National teams, with a wealth of talent to be harnessed on Ipanema beach, then you just have to take the hint.
With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, BRAZIL is a standout bet at 7/1 for next year’s World Cup. That price will contract to 4/1 by the time the tournament kicks off.
Until next month Good punting
Bernie the Book 77
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
