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What a great Finals. Stran Smith was definitely the story of
the event. I worked pretty closely with his wife Jennifer on the ESPN telecast out
there and it was something I’ll never forget to see her as he won the world.
He’s a great competitor and was definitely due a world title. He will be a great
world champion. His secret? I don’t know for sure, but in my opinion he listened
to God’s will for him, was satisfied without a world title, got an incredible
horse and got on a serious health/wellness physical fitness plan. No man
deserves to have his dream realized more than him. Congratulations.
To the rest, with a recap of my predictions after each:
Bareback Riding: Not to take anything away from Justin
McDaniel. He’s a guy I’ve enjoyed getting to know and he’s got more world titles
in his future, but Bobby Mote was robbed by a bad mark out call in the
8th round. Maybe Justin would have still won, but a bad call at that
level is unacceptable. That took him out of the average race and killed his
chances for the world.
Justin rode well, did what he should have and caught some
breaks. He’ll win more world titles, he’s got the right style and the strength
to endure the punishment.
My pick was Kelly Timberman. He didn’t draw well enough early
on to get on a roll, then suffered a concussion. Kind of went out on a limb
picking him and the limb broke. He finished sixth in the world.
Steer Wrestling: Luke Branquinho, who I picked, dominated
from start to finish. I wanted to see my friend Wade Sumpter give him a run for
his money, but he went out with an injury after the fourth round.
Team Roping: Matt Sherwood and Randon Adams roped the right
way at the right time, which is key in that building. They stayed in the average
and won round money. Tough deal in the team roping. They set an earnings record
as well. BTW, Trevor and Patrick came within a hair’s breadth of breaking Jake
and Clay’s average record there. Again, I went out on a limb with my pick, Travis Tryan and
Michael Jones, and it didn’t pan out. They were, however, in contention right up
until the end.
Saddle Bronc Riding: Cody Wright finally got his mental game
untracked at the NFR and, as I predicted, Billy Etbauer bucked off enough broncs
to open the door for him. He wrapped up his title after the 9th
round. I’m impressed that he was able to overcome his mental blocks and get it
done.
I counted him out in my predictions and I’m glad he did.
Tie-Down Roping: See intro, but I’ll admit I’m among the
people who figured Stran would be a solid NFR qualifier and a threat for the
average for as long as he chose to, but I wrote him off for a world title.
Barrel Racing: Lindsay Sears: Total domination, I picked her,
but any idiot should have.
Bull Riding: J.W. Harris got off to a fast start and fizzled
off at the end. Too bad, could have been a dominating performance. I mentioned
him in my predictions, but I didn’t think Chance Smart would have as much
trouble as he did.
There ya go.
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