The Morning Line: Raleigh, Day 1

Dakota Buttar on 245 Colt 45:

Buttar is coming off an event win last week, and his good luck is likely to continue tonight. Colt 45 has mostly been to lower-level events, and he’s had trouble throwing guys off there. He’s been ridden four times in eight career outs. He doesn’t do a lot to help the rider, and that kind of bull can make anyone fall off, but Buttar should be a big favorite here.

Stetson Lawrence on 15 Trick Shot:

Brennon Eldred rode this bull a few weeks ago in Uniondale, New York. He went to the left with Eldred, which would be be into Lawrence’s hand. This should be one of the least difficult bulls in this round, and Lawrence should have a fairly easy time with him.

Chase Outlaw on V2 Jughead:

Outlaw may be able to make some progress in the World Championship race here. This bull hasn’t been ridden very often, but Cody Nance got 87.5 points out of him back in the spring. Outlaw will be the highest-ranked rider he’s faced.

Alex Marcilio on 24 Mud Duck:

This bull is typical of many bulls in this round in that he hasn’t been ridden very often, but he also hasn’t faced many high-level riders. Mud Duck isn’t overly difficult. He has some speed, but he has near perfect timing. Fabiano Vieira rode him over the summer for 86.5 points, and Marcilio certainly has a shot here.

Stormy Wing on 36Z Rebel Yell II:

Wing matches up well with this bull. Rebel Yell has been good for left-handed riders, and he can be good enough to win a round on a good day. Wing has been somewhat inconsistent, but when he’s on, he’s really on.

Fabiano Vieira on 160 Pitch Black:

This bull will probably go away from Vieira’s hand, but he’s not really enough bull to win this matchup. Unless Vieira throws himself off or jumps off, he should get a decent score out of this.

Jess Lockwood on 00 Captain:

Lockwood is coming back from an injury here. He’s missed two events, and considering the extent of his injuries, he’s coming back early. Most normal people would still be in the bed, but 20-year-old bull riders are not normal. He has a great draw here. Captain may be the best draw in the round, particularly for left-handed riders. He has fantastic timing, he’s smooth, and he’s good enough to carry Lockwood to a round win.

Shane Proctor on 3415 Bad Juju:

We haven’t seen much of this bull on tour, but he’s been ridden a couple of times in seven career outs. Proctor should have a good chance in this matchup.

Cooper Davis on 2127 Slip Out:

Derek Kolbaba was 87 points on this bull in Uniondale just three weeks ago. Slip Out went to the right with Kolbaba, and that will be into Davis’ hand. There may not be another bull in this round that would fit Davis better than this one. Davis could pick up some much needed points in the World Championship race here.