[SarahC]

The best marked once its won the section will then have to compete against the best self , best satin etc where it will have to excel just the same if it is to win BIS.Very difficult to take the top slot with a marked, the odds will be heavily stacked against it.Competition in the self section will initially be stiffer but having made it through the chances of getting BIS are much greater.

 

[SarahC]

your research sounds fine.You ideally need to get to a few shows and see some winning mice in the flesh.Volunteering to steward gives anyone a really good chance to see the exhibits.It also gives the oppurtunity to speak to mousers with decades of experience who don't participate in forums such as this.