Predictions

Here is another repost from Danny Seavey.  He thinks he has the finishing order sorted out for the top 10, but I'm not so sure.  We'll see how his predictions hold up when they all come in to Nome.

So we finally have a race order, and everyone knows what place they're racing for. I'm a little surprised at the pace of the front. We're used to seeing teams skip checkpoints and making big moves on the coast, and these guys seem happy just to be making it. The weather on the river and portage seem to have taken it's toll. This field is ripe for some to move up 10 spots in one move, but I don't see anyone going for it.

The rest of the field has conceded the race to Mitch and Jeff. Anyone who wanted a shot would have left when Mitch went. Mitch is actually gaining on Jeff, and we very much have a race on our hands for first.

Aliy and Ray Jr. have an even closer race going for 3rd and 4th, and that could go right down to the wire. This may be the most entertaining finish of the race.

Aaron and Joar are the sitting ducks, both hoping to hold onto their spots, but not likely to succeed.

Jake B is the team that should be moving and picking up some ground, but he doesn't seem to feel the same. Still he'll probably pick off the previous two, and end up a very respectable 5th.

Dallas, Sonny and DeeDee round out the top 10. Dallas is low on dogs, Sonny is on his victory lap. They are both fast, but being very conservative. DeeDee is one of few teams really driving hard, and she's been gaining ground fast.

Ken Anderson is coming along looking good in 11th.

Any of these teams could still take 5th, and I expect some serious jockeying in the 5-11 range.

There will be some more serious racing for the next positions as well. We tend to focus on the front teams, but there is some good racing (and three former champions) in the teens.