Derby Mark

from info seen, I'd draw each mark noting any percieved W.A. , without seeing series. Gosh without seeing the speration, depth, line, yds ( not all equal ie some 300 plus yds, appear 175 etc etc). Crosswind marking test are not advisable ( head wind blind etc). Dragback maybe differnet definning gesture. Crosswind hip pocket nose full kinda thing maybe. I cannot say a dog running the last series of any FT event, with two marks, should generally not bailout or breakdown in route to memory bird land or water or wind. When reviewing complition of the trial, for your example. Typlically we see 8 marks ( 4 series) i would never guess what dogs are thinking enroute. Observe and note momentum determintion fighting all factors (scent wind terrain water temp etc). As for the running order and fate, well .... As for handler style to do everything within the rules and condition of the running field... Thats why two judges. And handler get there knee or exaggerated send to fight veriables. Can get into the goldie locks effect, there again, two judges, who can down grade mark drawing. Please note most fiddling fails, pulling too much, rubber band effect. Kneeing shore line ( 2 along shore) will usually get early water exit. dog B may good that, luck or handler experince. You noted 60yds for dog A , but did not note yds for when B exited water and with 5 mph wind pic , gather dog would wind thrower sation before AOF, likley drawn up some. Or If handlers are pick up down wind all those factors not so much infavor of Dog B. this one mark of 8. I would not favor dog break momentum on island, hunt up and down wind of the fall. Derby dogs gum shun is cute and painful. If I were handler of Dog A or B, glad to have the opptunity to gain some ground and gets some color, green is good in my eyes too. pickup on the last mark could cause anyone shed a tear . please excuse my grammer and spelling.

did dog A wind it? which dog knew where bird was? I cannot say, If shore was tappered, do think from water dog see gunner from island to shore side of fall? I not trying to be a smartass etc.. Its really hard to tell with overhead view. I say B would precieved do better than A on that one mark after revised drawing. I have no bias , no idea of event handlers or judges. But if one would present scenario, they may have been at event or ran. If so why would one not quitely, avoid that scene in future. I would not have let my dog hunt that long, I have made that mistake in AA in last series last bird, clean going into it. A couple times. Quick gets handle 3rd etc go home jam rjam. Tough sport , tough on: dogs, wallets, handlers, handlers family etc.. But there some great times , people, places youll' see along the way. I would do it over, if presented lifes rerrun. Would not change a thing except a: couple quick handles, stayed home couple times.