THE BERNIE THE BOOK COLUMN
C’EST OCTOBRE, C’EST PARIS.... IT’S THE ARC
Europe’s richest race takes place at the weekend, the Prix de L’arc de Triomphe in Paris and I can’t wait! - you might find me in the Moulin Rouge on Saturday and quaffing oysters from my winnings on Sunday evening!.. well you can wish n’est pas?
It also has had a fascination, nay obsession for the Japanese and this year I can see success, after many years of trying for the far east, with the hugely impressive BYZANTINE DREAM at a whopping 12/1 in what looks a very open affair. His trial in one of the stronger trials - the Prix Foy could hardly have gone better and the way he extended to the line left me in no doubt to his abilities. Put the Yen down now and enjoy the sushi.
The master of Ballydoyle seems to be prodding the bear all summer long with a first choice selection, but the picture is no less clear and the one horse I think will challenge my selection is AVENTURE, who came second last year and who also looked super impressive in the Vermeille and who is currently the 11/2 second favourite.
Back both with confidence and pass the Tabasco (for the oysters!)
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Its not just Gridiron that I watch or bet on. No, its baseball too!! And this month sees the conclusion to the World Series. Last years runners up the NEW YORK YANKEES have stuttered all year with long-term injuries to their two main pitchers and without them they’re in deep trouble. But a recent upturn in fortune coinciding with a semi-return has seen them challenge for the American League East. These next few days will determine if they qualify for the post-season as divisional winners or wild cards, but no matter because the 9/1 on offer is extremely generous and has to be taken. Take it now.
SUPER LEAGUE
Changing continents again, October also sees the conclusion to Rugby League’s Super League, with this
PHTM OCTOBER 2025
next weekend seeing the semi final stage. All year long (and tipped up in June by Yours Truly) HULL KR have been the dominant team and I see no reason to desert them now. They won the Shield and now are No 1 seeds in the Playoffs. Unbelievably they are 9/4 second favourites behind perennial Old Trafford visitors Wigan, but I can only see one result.
POLITICS
Harold Wilson once famously said that a week was a long time in politics and this tumultuous Autumn could hardly been any worse for Keir Starmer... or could it?? With the Labour Party Conference taking place now, could we see a stalking horse emerge?
So on that subject and on the next Labour leader market (whenever that is, either at a General Election or an internal heave -ho) the Book has had a small interest on ANDY BURNHAM at 4/1 (if he stands for Parliament soon his price will plummet to 6/4) and ANGELA RAYNER at 16/1 as a left wing backlash - if only someone could do something about her dress sense...and diction!!!
If Lucy Powell wins the election for Deputy, the Left will only get stronger .
STRICTLY!
Away from sport and under the umbrella of a bet is a bet, SCD has launched, or rather twirled with a tango, and looking at the odds it is hard not to see why Lewis Cope is favourite, what with his Billy Elliot background. But the best dancer rarely wins and I prefer the chances of Olympic sprinter and Gladiator HARRY AIKINES-ARYEETAY (scores 25 at Scrabble!) at a tempting 13/2. Big personality, big pecs, big chance.
Until next time Good Punting
Bernie the Book 73
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