MEN'S HANDICAP

Mark Occhilupo: Last years happy go lucky champion. You have to put him in your trifecta--experience, contest savvy, sizzling on both rights and
lefts. He maximizes tuberides and torching cutbacks. However, last years win came in the midst of his global World Championship victory lap. And
with absolutely nothing to lose, his surfing at last years OP PRO was on an etheric level. He was floating. That's not the case this year, and he will come down to earth. Nevertheless, the morning line on Occy is steady at 3 to 1.

Shane Dorian: New house, soon-to-be-married, all his stars seem to be aligned. He is the only Men's surfer to get to Indo early, so he's well rested. Be advised, however, he hasn't surfed in three weeks--since the Tahiti event. This may hinder his chances in early heats, and the "advance or you're out" competition format could take him down early. Smart money doesn't see this happening. Morning line on Dorian: 5 to 2.

CJ Hobgood: Going into this event CJ has a number two ASP WCT world ranking. He's obviously deined. But will these "relaxed fit" heat
duration's (1-2 hours) throw him off? He may burn out early. CJ has dark horse written all over him. He's your money horse, and when the dust has
settled and the results "official," you'll want him somewhere in your exacta wheel. Morning line on CJ: 4 to 1.

Tim Curran: Toss last year's event out of the quation. Even the greatest of horses (Point Given, Cigar) have an occasional bad race. And with spectacular past performances in hot dog waves as a guide--talent wise--Tim has what it takes to go wire-to-wire. Tim is the only one of the above mentioned surfers who can match the talented Irons Brothers in aerial antics. If the contest comes down to otdogging at Macaroni's, Tim is the man. Morning line: 8 to 1, expected to drop rapidly as "fast" money rolls up to the betting window right before post time.

Andy Irons: Could be unstoppable if "Lance's Right" is happening. He loves this track, and runs very fast here. The fact that his younger brother, Bruce, will be in the water with him makes Andy even more dangerous. More deined than his laid back demeanor suggests. Must "use the whip" at the
final turn. Morning line on Andy Irons: 5 to 2.

Bruce Irons: This early speed horse may go wire-to-wire, and most bettors have him on top in their exactas. His versatility makes him hard to ignore.
Big waves, small waves, aerials--whatever it takes to get him home in the money, Bruce has it. If he doesn't run out of steam too early, he should
win going away. Morning line: Even money.

Our exacta pick: Bruce Irons wheeled on top, with either Dorian or big profit horse Tim Curran to grab second.

Best money bet: CJ Hobgood at 4 to 1.  

WOMEN'S HANDICAP

Rochelle Ballard: Last year's champion, she is hard to ignore. Versatile. Agile. Complete. Like last year, want's a "soulful" experience out here. If she has a clear run to the wire, look out. However, if Rochelle experiences a cluttered 1/4 pole, with lots of hungry horses, she may disappoint. A lot depends on the attitudes of the others. Morning line: 3 to 1.

Layne Beachley: The favorite among the early bird wagers. Deined via disappointment last year. For Layne, the "soul" experience was great last
year, but that was last year. Look for the "eye of the tiger," and a hard charge from Layne. Morning line: 2 to 1.

Serena Brooke: She is the early speed horse in this field. If she starts out fast, she could go wire-to-wire. Must get and maintain early confidence. If "Lance's Rights" produces clean, hollow 5-footers, and the
title is on the line, Serena will carry home the roses. Morning line: 4 to 1

Keala Kennelly: All agree that Keala is the unknown factor in this race. If she comes out early to challenge for the lead, the "soulful" flavor that some of the women are anticipating will be shot. Keala's hard charging vibe in the water may push her, and the others, too far. For all the women involved, this entire race depends upon how Keala approaches it. She may intimidate her way into the victory circle. The betting line on Keala is too erratic. Anywhere from 20 to 1 to even money.

Not enough numbers in this race for an exacta bet. However, at 20 to 1, we'll throw down 200,000 Rupiah on Keala.--Scott Bass

THE other OP PRO MENTAWAIS--AN ASP SPECIALTY EVENT
Presented by Surfer Magazine

THE ARMADA ARRIVES After a mostly comfortable trip from Padang to the Mentawai islands, the OP PRO armada dropped anchor at Lance's Rights. A hot sunny day accompanied a
3' swell, which rolled methodically into the reef--a fun day of surf and ideal for a tune up. The cobwebs of travel have now been cut away.

One of the boats in our fleet opted to move over to Lance's Left. However, at Lance's Right, Occy, Tim Curran, Bruce Irons, Andy Irons, CJ Hobgood and
Shane Dorian tore into small but rippable surf. After a few hours the girls joined in on the fun and the vibe was terrific.

Shane Dorian, who hasn't surfed in three weeks, paddled straight into the heart of the lineup and turned on set wave. He took off and pulled in. Six
seconds later he came flying out of a voracious tube. "My first wave in three weeks!" screamed Dorian ecstatically.

The "survivor" contest(pr link) format was the topic of the morning out in the lineup. "Any format, no matter what it is, will have it's flaws," said OP PRO judge Damien "Dooma" Hardman. "The "survivor" format is different, and in that sense alone it makes it kinda interesting. I reckon it's pretty cool--unless you lose first."

Being on the 'CT, we're used to surfing two heats, no matter what," added CJ Hobgood. "But this is a different event, and I kinda like the survivor
idea. It adds drama."

On another note, Dr. Warren Kramer was put to work early, as a member of the Bluetorch film crew plastered his head onto the reef, requiring six
stitches to the scalp. The slightly groggy lensmen is gonna make it. No amputation needed.

Tomorrow holds the hope of bigger surf. Either way, contest director Bernie Baker is chomping at the bit to get the first heat in the water. And even at this size (3'), it's totally contestable.

Day 1 >>

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