Amazing Race

Amazing...this is so close, with a lot of trail yet to go. John Baker is in first by only a half hour...Neff is in second, with Mackey a half hour behind him, and Ray Redington Jr. only 15 minutes behind Mackey and posting a slightly faster speed.

The next section of the race will continue on the Yukon River...its a 65 mile trek up into Kaltag and should take 6 to 8 hours. So far none of the leaders have left Eagle Island Checkpoint.

There are reports that Mackey may have to drop his Leader....that would put him down to 8 dogs. He simply does not have the dogs to compete for a 5th win...and right now he said he will be happy to be somewhere in the top ten. His dogs are eating well, and are healthy and happy...if he had 12 of them he would probably be in the lead!

Baker is in his home territory. He mentioned earlier he would wait until the Yukon to "start racing". If you remember last year he was in the lead headng into Iditarod when he thought he was on the wrong trail and stopped. Dallas Seavey came along and passed him, but at that point Baker knew he WAS on the trail...this cost him 5 hours and the lead last year...maybe even a win. BUT its a new year, and he has one of the best looking Teams...could this be the year Baker wins his first Iditarod?

Then there is Hugh Neff. Hugh was first onto the Yukon, but is sitting in second right now. Reports are his Team just doesnt look as strong as Bakers...and Hugh even admitted at his Avik dinner that he has problems on the coast. Last month he was leading the Yukon Quest for most of the race, then towards the end of that race his Team had trouble and he had to scratch. Dallas Seavey went on to win that race!

Its funny that in both these instances, it was young Dallas Seavey who picked up the "ball" and ran with it!

Ray Redington Jr has a very strong Team as well, and is picking up on the Leaders. Watch for him to ease into the top 3 positions soon.

Buser is in 5th right now, posting some slow speeds. Just a few short days ago he was in the lead...his Team just seems to be losing speed. Rumor has it Martin fell asleep on his sled from Shaguluk to Anvik. I wonder if that is true.

So my fellow Arm Chair Mushers...keep and eye on the stats and check in often through the day....because ANYTHING can happen....ANYTHING...just ask Mitch Seavey who is recovering from a 2 hour surgery to attach his finger back onto his hand!