THE BERNIE THE BOOK COLUMN JUDD TO RECLAIM CROWN-CITY OF TROY BOMBPROOF


Firstly some self publicising…did you follow the Book last month? In my column I tipped up the chances of I AM MAXIMUS at a whopping 10/1 National as can be seen below.


for the Grand


tasty bet at 20/1. He is my alternate. I similarly wouldn’t discount STUART BINGHAM at 40/1. Bet them in running. Stop Press! With the draw having just been made, the top half is clearly weaker than the bottom. In the bottom is Rocket Ronnie, Judd and Mark Williams so rather than back each way in the bottom half, why not add to your portfolio by backing to win Mark Allen (14/1) and Ali Carter at 28/1) for small stakes.


Also, much to my own personal chagrin, I tipped up BAYERN, PSG and REAL MADRID to contest the semi finals of the Champions League, thereby eliminating Manchester City. Real were widely available at 13/2 (Nevis in places) and are now 6/4!!! Strewth. Again see below.


But that won’t keep the wolf from the door..so ever on.


WORLD SNOOKER It’s time for snooker’s glittering prize at the Crucible. Now in its early stages by the time you read this, I did highlight the chances of JUDD TRUMP at a


respectable


9/2. My belief hasn’t changed. Obviously the f irst port of call has to be Rocket Ronnie, but in his chase for an unprecedented Triple Crown and more


importantly an 8th World


Championship, not only does the 5/2 represent poor value, but his demons could easily resurface. In addition this mustard shirt he is wearing does him no favours!! There are players now who no longer fear him and some Crucible veterans who are playing supremely well. First amongst them is MARK WILLIAMS who is a


PHTM MAY 2024


GUINEAS The flat is back!! And next week sees the first English Classics of the season, the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. Let’s start with the colts. Last year Aiden (in whom we trust!) talked up the chances of Auguste Rodin over River Tiber, but both flopped. While Tiber underperformed last year, Auguste Rodin certainly didn’t with Derby glory. I note in the press he is more bullish about CITY OF TROY. But it’s not just the paper talk, Troy has the times, pedigree and form for all to see. At around a likely starting price of Evens, he won’t attract all, but for me this is the second coming and will represent my only bet. The fillies race is more open. Unlike most race commentators I actually thought the race run by DANCE SEQUENCE in the Nell Gwynn was quite illuminating and though defeated, she failed by lack of experience. With One Look likely to be aimed at the Irish Guineas, I think the 10/1 on offer is good each way value.


FRENCH OPEN Oh how I look forward each year to my


favourite


tournament, the French Open from Roland Garros, and this month sees its return. Rafa is king but his crown has slipped and I cannot see him contesting


come the second week!! The heir apparent is clearly CARLOS ALCARAZ and at 7/4, his clay court pedigree will come to the fore. Novak and Jannik can compete on hard court and grass but not the red clay of Paris. Oh, summer has arrived…pass the Pimms.


Good punting…


Bernie the Book 77


encouraging run in the Ultima at Cheltenham. The other form line is the Irish one and another horse from Closutton should be noted, namely I AM MAXIMUS at 10/1.


It’s the quarter final stage in the next week and I expect the semi-final draw to be between BAYERN MUNICH and REAL MADRID and PSG and ATLETICO.


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