Analysis of the Canadian and world picture here.
Nice run by McBride, 1:44.4. Improved on his 1:45.0 SB from Rabat five days ago, going closer to his 1:43.9 PB from last year.
He fought for the lead behind pacer Som, which was good to see. (In his interview after Rabat he didn't seem to feel like he got after it enough. This time he ran right up on Som's heels!) I didn't catch a first 200 split.
Som came through in 49.46 so McBride was maybe 49.8? Definitely quick. McBride still leading at 600 in 1:16.6. (3rd 200 26.8, or maybe 26.6 if you call his first lap a 50.0.) Final 200 in 27.8.
400s ~49.8/54.7, maybe 50.0/54.5 if you take a more conservative estimate at the first lap split.
With some specific endurance workouts surely in the weeks before worlds, he can likely run 1:43-low in a fast race and certainly the 1:43.68 Canadian record. I wouldn't put 1:42-high out of the question!
Great run by Korir, with an amazing final 200. He and Amos now both have a 1:43.1 this season, and I'd give the edge to Korir in a close finish, due to the closing strength he has shown, including an ability to run negative splits even in a quick race. Amos is usually one step from death at the finish, and he only seems to have one way to race in his arsenal.
After that, there is some separation to the rest of the world. Any one of a number of guys could get bronze, or higher if Korir and/or Amos mess up in rounds (which is always possible in the 800).