The Miss Universe 2009 pageant is happening on the night of August 23 (Aug. 24 in Manila) in Bahamas. Check out our Top 15 picks for the crown.

In the past 10 years, the Miss Universe pageant is being dominated by delegates from the Latin American countries. This year could be an exception because Europe and Asia/Oceana performed very well in the preliminaries. But of course, it all depends on the taste of the panel of judges and how the ladies will perform come coronation night this Sunday.

Based on the preliminary videos for the swimsuit and evening gown competitions, including the interview videos, we came up with our own picks as possible shoo-in for the Top 15.

We’re guessing the crown is being contested by four countries: Australia, the Netherlands, Dominican Republic and France. USA, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico may pull a surprise because of sash factor (these four countries have strong ties with the Miss Universe organization). Or it could be the year of the Black Horse which includes Czech Republic, Spain, South Africa and our very own Bianca Manalo.

In 3 days, we will see if our fearless forecast is right on. Check out our first and last TOP 15 FAVORITES in the Miss Universe 2009 pageant:

1. Australia, Rachael Finch

2. Dominican Republic, Ada de la Cruz

3. Netherlands, Avalon-Chanel Weyzig

4. France, Chloé Mortaud

5. USA, Kristen Dalton

6. Mexico, Karla Carrillo

7. Venezuela, Stefanía Fernández

8. South Africa, Tatum Keshwar

9. Philippines, Pamela Bianca Manalo

10. Czech Republic, Iveta Lutovská

11. Russia, Sofia Rudieva

12. Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos

13. Belgium, Zeynep Sever

14. Guatemala, Figueroa

15. Spain, Estíbaliz Pereira

Strong Alternates: Ghana, China, Kosovo, Guatemala and Indonesia