http://niigata-nishikigoi.com/conten...grand-champion - Just wanted to spark some conversation on here and thought this article was pretty nice. If you have insider info as to other heavy hitting koi that might be entered PLEASE post pics of them (Does anyone know if Lion Queen will be entered? her facial sumi seems to be coming in more and more with each pic I see). Of coarse the prize will go to "the best-fish-on-that-day" but lets take these pictures at face value for the sake of a fun conversation.
My (1,2, and3)
-the first Kohaku is absolutely magnificent- the pattern is not all that remarkable but the conformation is so powerful and the quality is incredible. (MY #2 PICK)
-THE SANKE is my #1 here. Absolutely stunning pattern, smooth conformation, beni, sumi, and shiroji are all on point at this time, and this fish is a perfect example of what Tsubo sumi is and should be. on a personal note, I love asymmetric head patterns and she fits the bill. (MY NUMBER 1PICK) If this fish looses to another fish in this post, I feel it would be because she lacks a thicker shoulder.
Second Kohaku- Dianichi. this is a beautiful fish with an exceptional pattern. The 2 separations in the first hi plate are interesting, artistic, and balanced. The conformation to me is unnatural looking. It is impressive, but it just doesn't "look-right". Maybe it just doesn't have the head width to support the look of the body, unlike kohaku #1. The "hugeness" of this koi does not convey power to me, but a severe case of bloat.... (MY NUMBER 3 PIC)