In the 200 m, De Grasse, needs to improve his season best of 20.67.
400, 7 in the lineup are sub 45 secs, with rangy Gardiner, Bahamas, a 43.48 monster.
800, Bosse The Frenchman and former world champion is trying to get back to form but his season best of 147 is quite a way off. Ali Gouaned, Algeria, looking for a great run in the low 144 range. Dobek, The Polish runner is a mystery to me as he sometimes under performs but his potential is astronomical. If he gets back to form he is the man who impresses me the most. Van Diepen, could surprise. Benny Robert, and Gaby Tual, both France, also looking for great times close to 1:44.00. They have similar ability, but I give the slight nod to Tual.
Ethiopian, Round 2 5000, . Edris v Barega v Melak. Ethiopia. They have the upper hand in theory. High 12:30s possible. Low 12:40s.
Race for Euro bragging rights 12:55-13:05. Gressier v Crippa.
Then, behind those monsters, that race I think for me is the highlight of the evening and the battle between the Frenchman Gressier and Crippa. Both could get close to 13 minutes or even under. If Dathan Ritz can rent 1256 I think both of these monsters can replicate that in good conditions. Mike Foppen, Jimmy’s good friend, could also do well and get down close to 13 minutes. I compare him in some ways to Joe Klecker both in physique and ability. Beamish should destroy his PP and bring it down to the 13:10 - 13:15 range. Many others could also do pbs - too numerous to mention.
Caveat: France is going through a heat wave at the moment with temperatures throughout the country in the high 80s and low 90s. This may have an effect on the times tonight.