5 Bold Predictions for San Diego

I really didn’t want to do another “bold predictions” article this week. I really didn’t. To me, those are best served for the opener and maybe a few other times a year. So, why are we here?

Two reasons. First and foremost, the opener was so wild I couldn’t help but get some flaming hot (okay, mild) predictions out there into the ether. And two, I went four of five last week and as any good gambler knows, I must strike while the iron is hot!

Without further ado, here are my, former AMA Media Member of the Year nominee (some say), five bold predictions from round 2.

#5 Jett Loses Again

No one is hitting the panic button here. All off-season the talk around the Lawrences was the bike, the bike, the bike. Lots of changes and honestly, until you go racing, you have no idea how much is rumor and how much is true. Well… Anaheim 1 wasn’t great. Does that mean it won’t be at San Diego? Yes and no. One week—probably 2-3 testing days—isn’t a ton of time and while I still have Jett as the title favorite, I’m not sure it gets sorted by tomorrow. Also, as you’ll read below, I have a pick for the win. Where does Jett finish you may ask? Runner-up or third. He’s too damn good not to finish on the podium, bike struggles or not.

#4 Robertson Scores Top 7

Ol Rob Dog took one for the team last weekend. With the Jalek Swoll injury, Stilez Robertson was pressed into action on the West Region (he was originally slated to race the East Region) at Anaheim 1. Considering Robertson was coming off missing all last year, not ideal circumstances. But Triumph needed it, and Rob Dog was a team player. A1 didn’t go well. He looked rusty, as should be. Robertson has speed and looking at the results from a week ago, I think with a round under his belt, he can make significant strides at round 2.

#3 The Other Jett Finishes Top 8

Don’t look at the main event result. He was down with Deegan in the first turn (thankfully he didn’t get injured) and wasn’t able to complete the main due to a bent-up bike. Do look at his heat race. Jett Reynolds came from last to seventh and looked dang good. Want a crazy fact? This was the first main event Jett has completed in his career!!! Insane. All I want for Jett this year is to complete a season healthy. I don’t care about results. Yet, I have him top 8 Saturday.

#2 Tomac Dominates

I think we would have seen an epic battle between Sexton and Tomac in Anaheim had Tomac not washed the front. There is something different about him this year. I don’t know if it’s because he knows this is his last year or if he is finally fully recovered from the Achilles injury. Whatever it is, Eli has entered Beast Mode and I’m so here for it. Buckle up, bubs, we are going to see a dominate ride from the future Hall of Famer in SD.

#1 AP Top 5

Did AP race last weekend? We didn’t hear a pep from him. Very un-AP like. Don’t worry, though, as he will 100% bounce back this weekend and score a top five. Trust in my picks, as you read above I went four of five last weekend.

Thanks for reading. See you next week… maybe.

Images: @octopi.media

Written by Slaw Dog

Just a dog trying to find my special bun.

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