BULL RIDING:
A review of
predictions…
2012 NFR Predictions:
Prediction 1: I am anxious to see this year’s pen
of bulls.
Thus Far: Not impressed.
Prediction 2: What to Watch For: JW Harris… He comes out swinging… Cody Teel and Trey Benton – these
guys are legit, let’s see how they handle their first NFR, expect big things.
Thus Far: JW is swinging… and winning the
average on 3 head… Although Cody Teel stubbed his toe and fell off a couple –
he rode two really tough bulls that did not have their best days and kept a
couple of questionable scores, let’s see where refusing a re-ride gets him in
the average when things re said and done.
Trey rode his first but has been shut out since not sure where he is
going to land…
Prediction 3: Don’t Forget:
Shane Proctor… enough said…
Thus Far: Hoping things turn around soon for
Shane… I thought he would come here and ride at least 6 bulls. With 5 remaining that is still possible. I haven't seen him, so I’m not sure if he’s
dealing with any injury, but he just hasn't hit his stride yet.
Prediction 4: Don't Count Out: Cody Whitney. He’s been there
and done that… He’s healthy and he has ridden some of the rankest bulls on
earth… If he gets on a roll he could win the average, and that could make
things interesting.
Thus Far: After a great start on the first
two bulls, winning the round on one, Cody has cooled off… He’s dealing with a
hip injury as I understand, but don’t count him out... He knows there’s a bunch
of money to be won and with two scores, he’s in the hunt on the average.
Prediction 5: A Sleeper: Tag Elliott.
Tough as nails, more talent and determination than many in the field… If
Tag gets started on the right foot, he is certainly capable of mixing up the
average…
Thus Far: Unfortunately Tag didn't get going
right off the bat… But I still think with 5 to go he can be dangerous…
The field: Seth Glause has put two together
and almost a third when in round 4 he rode for like 7.8 seconds. Seth broke his nose and has moved to a helmet,
but so far the injury doesn’t appear to be bothering him… Interested to see how he finishes the week.
BULLS:
As I
mentioned earlier, I am not impressed with the bull herd. I believe they could be improved upon – but
play the hand you are dealt right?
On another
note, regarding Bull of the Year Cat Baliou… He did not have a good trip the
other night… That’s two “off” trips in a row – one at PBR Finals and then here
at NFR. Hopefully the real Cat Baliou
shows up later in the week.
The rankest
bull I have seen this week is from D&H – Shepard Hills Tested… I’m
predicting he takes Bull of the Finals honors home this year.
RODEO:
Speaking of
Fantasy Rodeo… I am not faring too well in my league… through 5 rounds I’m
holding the 10th position out of 22 teams… I’ll keep you posted on
where I finish. If you are a rodeo fan
and you are not playing ProFantastyRodeo.com – shame on you – play next year!
NFR Thus Far:
Barebacks: Kaycee Field is winning the
average, no big news there…
Saddle Broncs: Interestingly, Cody Demoss is the
only one in contention who has stayed on everything. The round last night was unreal – it was a
riding contest! I hope Cody can bring
the buckle home – but watch out for Wade Sundell – this city and this event were
made for him!
Bull Riding: It will get interesting, but I’m
going with JW to win the average. Can
you afford to bet against him?
HORSES:
NFR Round
5. Wow!
They ride 3 horses. What an
awesome display of animals! I think this
is how Bronc Riding should be. To me it
is so much more interesting to see a “riding contest”… It creates drama – in
the moment – and in the average.
Unfortunately
there are not that many horses of this caliber out there… Making a display like
last night more difficult to duplicate…
COWBOYS:
There is
nothing like being in Las Vegas for the NFR.
“Cowboy Town”. It’s a great
opportunity to connect with the Western Lifestyle demo – I hope that more
brands will begin to understand this – in turn generating more revenue for the
industry.
As the Average
comes into play here in the last 5 rounds in Las Vegas it is always interesting
to see the characters come out in these guys… It’s the race for a world title…
It means more than it should – to many of them – and it is awesome to watch!
MUSIC:
Dierks
Bently – Tip It On Back… Great song.
Every time I hear it, I crank it up.
It’s about being in the moment… seizing and enjoying… I have had such a blessed life. So many chances to “Tip It On Back” on so
many levels and I don't think I’ve ever declined an opportunity to do so. LIVE
your life – “Tip It On Back”.
Shut Up and
Make it Happen
Scott Davis
