And much to my surprise, I did so again. Except for the smudge on the glass that kept me from seeing the precise order of finish, the crystal ball was working pretty well. When it comes to predicting the results of sporting events, there is no exact science. In the Iditarod, weather can intervene and disrupt game plans. Dogs can get sick.
Mushers can get sick.
The unexpected happens. In all, I correctly named 27 of the top 30 mushers who finished in the money. Zach Steer was my biggest mistake. His 14th-place finish was a terrific performance. The mushers I picked to make the top 30 who didn't were Ed Iten, Russell Lane, and Mike Nosko, who in another race, at another time, will likely do so.