The only runner in this race with a proven early pace profile, and it's maximal — 100 on the early pace metric, which means she leads more races than any comparable dog in the dataset. Her two most recent course-and-distance runs tell the story: second twice, beaten a neck and a short head respectively, leading to near the line both times before being caught in the dying strides. That fader profile is the concern — she does everything right for 250 metres but can't quite sustain it over the full trip. Her 16.89 best time is the second-quickest in the field, and crucially that was achieved here over course and distance. The form trajectory is worrying at 20, 28, 29, 17, 60, 70 — the recent D4 runs show she's struggling at this level, but those placed efforts suggest she's competitive when the break goes her way. From trap four she'll need to show her customary early dash to cross towards the rail, and the 16.7% T4 win rate at D4 is below average. Richards trains at 12%. The case for Highfield Lass is simple: she's the fastest starter in the race and has shown she can lead at this course and distance. The case against is equally simple: she keeps getting caught.