First Place:  1

Entry number:  326

Exhibitor:  cindyfreed

State:  CA

Sheep name/number:  Jessica

Breed:  Hampshire X

I started the class with number 1.  I believe this ewe lamb is easily the most complete lamb in the class.  Extremely well balanced, long sided, wide and square over the rack, wide and flat over the loin, with a long level hip.  Square through the dock, deep through the twist and expressively muscled through the stifle and lower third.  Granting she might be a little deep through the front, but, with her length, thickness, and muscle, that really doesn't matter.

Second Place:  4

Entry number:  357

Exhibitor:  Lamb Quarters Farm

State:  OH

Sheep name/number:  44

Breed:  Crossbred

Website:   www.freewebs.com/lambquartersfarm/

I see number 4 placing over number 3 for second in the class.  Three does have a straight, long, level top and bottom line.  I just see 4 as the thickest most muscular of the two.  3 does look impressive from the rear, especially through the leg, however, if it was sheared slick I don't believe it would show the evidence of muscle that 4 does.

Third Place:  3

Entry number:  342

3 is pretty on the profile, however, it does appear to be off in its neck placement and 3 also does not look as wide over the rack and loin as 4.  Again, this could go either way.

Fourth Place:  2

Entry number:  338

2 is easily the bottom lamb of the class and it will cost you if you see it placing anywhere but forth.  From the profile it appears to be short of hip and really slopes in this area.  Does not have the rib shape we are looking for, is too rounded at the points, is narrow through the twist and lacks muscle in the lower third.

Again, I placed the class 1, 4, 3, 2 with cuts of 5 1, 7.