We need to discuss a BIG action sequence in the film:

The Podrace.

It's a cool looking sequence. But, there's no real danger as we know Anakin will live. He's racing for parts to a ship when he's been shown to build an entire droid and pod from......parts.

Shouldn't there be a more compelling reason for little Annie to race?

What if the race, or I should say the footage, was used for two separate races?

What if Anakin was introduced during the tail end of a podrace in which Sebulba cheats and Anakin crashes? The heroes dont interact with Anakin at that time but they witness it. Maybe even Obi-Wan witnesses it?

Then later the heroes interact with Anakin back at Watto's hovel.