By: Andrew Hatfield
With Unleash The Beast primed to begin its 10th event of the season Feb. 2 in sunny Sacramento, California, PBR.com is taking a closer look at the rankest rides, biggest stories and beyond ahead of the PBR Wrangler Long Live Cowboys Classic:
WINGSON SOARS INTO THE TOP 10: After having his back against the cut line heading into Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wingson Henrique da Silva has caught fire – riding seven of his last ten UTB bulls including the last six in a row – to break into the Top 10 for the first time this season. The 2023 Rookie of the Year runner-up won his first individual premier series event in Houston last weekend, going a perfect 3-for-3, to continue his six-for-six tear. He began his flawless performance in Texas by covering Bison for 78.25 points in Round 1 and Mighty Mike for 85.25 points in Round 2. Saving his best out for last, the Brazilian rocketed out of the gates on I’m Legit Too in the championship round and converted for 90 points by virtue of being marked three points above the bull. After the dust had settled, Silva was the only rider to post a perfect weekend, and his victory netted him 112 points in the Unleash The Beast standings to propel him to the No. 9 spot in the standings
GUITON’S GREAT START: Amid the John Crimber hoopla, let’s not forget another blazing teenage talent. After being shut out in his Unleash The Beast debut in Chicago, Clay Guiton bounced back in a big way in Tulsa in January, posting two 90-point rides. He’s now 4-for-8 at the UTB. Despite bucking off Triple Aught in 2.17 seconds in Round 1, the North Carolinian battled back, topping Punchy Pete (only the second rider to do so) for 90 seconds in Round 2 to earn a spot in his first championship round. Seemingly unfazed at facing the world’s rankest bulls, Guiton rocketed out of the gate and topped Bandito Bug for 90.25 points, pushing him to fifth in the event. Guiton’s ability away from his hand is special, being marked 3.25 points above Bandito Bug from Blake Sharp and partners during the championship round in Tulsa. He carried his success over to Houston, going 2-for-3 and finishing third. Topping Washita Red for 86.5 points in Round 1 and Renegade for 82.5 points in Round 2, he earned the pick of the pen heading into the championship round. Selecting UTZ BesTex Smokestack as his final animal athlete opponent, the young cowboy catapulted out of the chutes but was bucked off in a heart-breaking 7.44 seconds. Guiton, now successful in four of his last six, looks to stay hot on No Cigar in Round 1 Friday
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