Sports Personality of the Year Predictions

Sports Personality Of The Year Predictions

Frankie Dettori’s farewell tour is currently in full swing following his impressive victory at the Oaks in Epsom. Known for his ability to create memorable moments, Dettori’s success at the Surrey Downs garnered tremendous support from the public, potentially setting the stage for a similar reception when the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is presented in December.

Dettori’s winning streak has caught the attention of punters, who eagerly rally behind him. As we look ahead to the upcoming Royal Ascot in two weeks’ time, the “Frankie factor” becomes a significant consideration when assessing the early SPOTY market.

At the beginning of last week, Dettori’s odds to win the award stood at 9-1. However, following his recent Oaks triumph with Soul Sister, his odds significantly shortened to 11-4, surpassing Ben Stokes as the frontrunner in the Sports Personality market. Currently, Dettori is priced at 4-1, reflecting the growing confidence in his chances.

There could also be a place for the WSOP Player of the Year award which is determined based on a points system that considers players’ performance in WSOP events. Points are earned based on finishing positions and buy-in amounts. Bonus points are awarded for milestones like winning a bracelet or reaching multiple final tables. The player with the highest accumulated points at the end of the series is crowned the WSOP Player of the Year.

Although there is no major men’s football tournament this summer, the spotlight will shine on England’s Lionesses as they compete for World Cup glory in July and August. The success of the England women’s team in the previous Euros propelled them into superstardom, exemplified by Beth Mead, who became the first female footballer to win Sports Personality last year after finishing as the top scorer and player of the tournament.

As the SPOTY race unfolds, the competition promises to be compelling, with Dettori’s remarkable performances and the rising profile of women’s football capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts.

Millie Bright, the appointed captain for England’s upcoming World Cup campaign, is currently priced at 33-1, making her the shortest-priced Lioness in the betting market. However, striker Alessia Russo catches attention at 40-1 after an impressive season with Manchester United, who finished as runners-up in the WSL. Russo’s strong form suggests she could be a significant contender if she can lead England to World Cup glory.

The year holds immense significance for English cricket as well, with a particular emphasis on the Ashes series. History demonstrates the influence that Ashes success can have on the Sports Personality of the Year award. Ian Botham’s heroic performance at Headingley in 1981 earned him the coveted title, while Andrew Flintoff claimed the award following England’s memorable Ashes triumph in 2005.

England Test captain, Ben Stokes, is well aware of the impact of Ashes fever on the voting process. He secured the award in 2019 after a summer that included his remarkable innings at Headingley during the Ashes and a match-winning knock in the World Cup final. Stokes finished as the runner-up in last year’s vote after playing a significant role in reviving the fortunes of the Test team with his flamboyant and crowd-pleasing style.

However, concerns arise for Stokes’ backers due to a persistent knee injury, which seemed to trouble him during the recent Test against Ireland. The extent to which the injury will limit his performance against Australia remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Stokes thrives in challenging situations and is considered a value option among the frontrunners.

Considering the current level of uncertainty, it may be wise to consider another prominent figure at a higher price. Rory McIlroy, a household name in golf, last won a Major championship nine years ago, when he claimed victory at The Open and the PGA Championship. In that same year, McIlroy finished as the runner-up in the Sports Personality vote. At odds of 33-1, he represents an appealing each-way option.

McIlroy’s prospects for the remainder of the year look promising, with the Open Championship taking place at Royal Liverpool, the venue of his 2014 triumph. Additionally, he is the third-favorite for this month’s US Open, an event in which he has consistently finished within the top nine since his victory at Congressional in 2011. Furthermore, the highly anticipated Ryder Cup in October provides McIlroy with further opportunities to capture the attention of the sporting public in 2023.