The PBR Built Ford Tough Series invades Chicago, IL, this weekend for the 2011 Chicago Invitational. Valdiron de Oliveira still sits atop the BFTS standings, while Austin Meier continues to close in on the Brazilian. Guilherme Marchi is currently third, and the 2008 PBR World Champion has a chance to move to the top with a great weekend. Silvano Alves and Shane Proctor are fourth and fifth, respectively, and they will both be trying to continue their climb as well.
The pen of bulls this weekend will be strong as always. A number of big names will be bucking this weekend, including Smack Down, Chicken on a Chain, Voodoo Child, and many more. The first-round draw is up at the PBR Website, and I’ve put together five key match-ups for Saturday night’s first round. If you have anything to add, please comment below or email me at: [email protected]. Also, be sure to visit the Facebook page and give your input. Enjoy!
Douglas Duncan vs. Ronnie Rooster
Douglas Duncan started the season very well, but he has bucked off nine consecutive bulls. The struggles have dropped him all the way to 29th in the BFTS Standings which means he is extremely close to the cut line. His first-round draw in Chicago is Ronnie Rooster, a bull owned by Reagan Bucking Bulls. This bull will be making his BFTS debut, but he was marked 44 points at a Touring Pro in Jacksonville, FL, a couple weeks ago. He is a great bull, and Duncan will have to bring his best to make the whistle. Ronnie Rooster will have the upper hand in this match-up.
My Pick: Ronnie Rooster
J.B. Mauney vs. Cooper Tires Big Guns
J.B. Mauney has been up-and-down in 2011, but he is still eighth in the BFTS Standings. His first-round draw Saturday night is Cooper Tires Big Guns, a bull owned by Dakota Rodeo/Berger/Struve/Schott. In four BFTS outs in 2011, this bull is unridden with an average bull score of 42.94 points. His average buckoff time this year is an impressive 2.65 seconds. J.B. bucked off this bull at a Touring Pro event last August, and he will definitely be looking for some payback. This one is 50/50, but I’m taking Mauney to make the whistle and be in the high 80s.
My Pick: J.B. Mauney
Mike Lee vs. Wrangler
Mike Lee hasn’t had a great start to the 2011 season, but he is still 18th in BFTS Standings heading into this weekend’s event in Chicago. His first-round draw is Wrangler, a bull owned by Box K Cattle/Universal Pro Rodeo. He hasn’t had any BFTS outs in 2011, but he was ridden once in five outs in 2010. Lee rides left-handed, and this bull hasn’t had much success bucking off guys who ride with their left hand. Wrangler is a very solid bull, and this match-up should result in a qualified ride in the mid-to-high 80s. This should set Mike up very well for the rest of the event.
My Pick: Mike Lee
Shane Proctor vs. Very Smart Remedy
Shane Proctor has ridden better than anyone since Oklahoma City, and he will be looking to continue the momentum this weekend. His first-round draw is Very Smart Remedy, a bull owned by Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls. He is one of the toughest bulls to make the whistle on, and he has bucked off all four riders on the BFTS this season. I made the prediction Proctor will win this weekend in Chicago, and I’m standing by that. It’s going to be extremely tough for Shane to ride this bull, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because he has ridden almost everything the past month.
My Pick: Shane Proctor
Stormy Wing vs. Gray Squirrel
Stormy Wing has bucked off 11 consecutive bulls, and he is now 32nd in the BFTS Standings. Things won’t get any easier for Wing in Chicago because he has drawn Gray Squirrel in the first round. This bull is owned by New Frontier Rodeo, and he has been very impressive in the early season. He has been out three times on the BFTS, and he is unridden with an average bull score of 43.92 points. His score has improved every out so far, and I expect that to continue this weekend. Wing hasn’t been riding well, and Gray Squirrel has been bucking everyone off. This seems like a no-brainer, so I’m going with the bull.
My Pick: Gray Squirrel