my two pennies wrote:
Kerr is in phenomenal form but in a rabbited race I'll go with Nuguse. He's consistently beaten him in these sorts of races and he has a faster PR. Jakob would be the favorite with no injuries but it's hard to pick him with so many question marks around his fitness. He's historically been a quick starter though with good performances indoors and early season, so maybe he will prove me wrong and run a world record.
As far as the pacers go, I'll bet they defer to Kerr. Defending world champ, in fine form, just beat Nuguse head to head and also set a world record this year. Gives him a bit of an advantage, but he is a brash runner and might ask for a hot (sub-1:52) pace anyway.
i just don't know about this. i feel like Nuguse is one of those guys who is incredibly strong inside his own head, can push himself to fast times, has the talent and ability to run really quick... but just doesn't have a racer's mentality or competitive drive. he'll fight against himself, but not against the likes of Kerr/Ing.
Kerr has looked really strong this winter. that strength could be the key to a win for him.
but this is Jakob's race to lose. how much fitness does he bring to this? make no bones, if he shows up, he's racing for the win. hopefully he's not so cocky that he races from the front.
