I think this has the makings of a really strong shot (I still scored it a 7 during the challenge), but seemed to be "missing" something to push it over the top. The focus could be a hair sharper, the colors could be pumped up a hair more through curves, maybe some burning/dodging to make it pop a little more... All the ingredients are there I think. Still - like I said - I like it and scored it well. Good job.
I absolutely love the subject, but the composition leaves me cold. Not sure being in color adds anything. It seems like this might be a good subject for B&W or sepia treatment.