First Place:  2

Entry number: 577

In my top pair I prefer the squareness and levelness of top in 2 over 4.  2 appears to be a smaller framed lamb that is closer to its ideal market weight than 4.  While 4 is a rugged muscular lamb that has an explosive leg when viewed from behind that becomes progressively wider from front to back and is longer sided, I place this more carcass-oriented lamb behind the more eye-appealing 2.

Second Place:  4

Entry number: 587

Exhibitor: prd

State: MO

Sheep name/number: 955

Breed: Crossbred

Website: www.dotyclublambs.com

Still in an easy middle pair, I like the carcass-oriented 4 over 3.  4 appears to be especially smoother in his finish being closer to correct market finish. While the 3 lamb appears leveler behind the shoulder and over his top, I find this lamb to be raw in his appearance indicating his better days as a finished market lamb are still in front of him and prefer him third.

Third Place:  3

Entry number: 570

In a bottom pair of lambs that are not as complete, I'm going with the more muscular and eye appealing lamb.  3 is especially thicker through the leg and leveler topped than the partially shorn 1. 

Fourth Place:  1

Entry number: 549

While 1 may be deeper through the rear flank, this lamb is not as balanced in his profile and appears less developed when viewed from behind.  The lack of bulge through the inside of the leg at this weight is distressing when I view 3 and I criticize him and place him last.