The composite leader (49) and fastest genuine 480m runner in the field — speed rating of 57 leads all runners who have actually raced at this distance. Ten course and distance runs with one win. Has been running in A9 and A8 grade, dropping to A10 now — the class relief is significant. Most recent run was a 27 at A10 (position 5), which is below peak, but earlier in that A9 and A8 sequence there were performances of 42 and 44. An all-rounder with balanced pace. The structural concern is real — trap 5 is the worst-performing box at A10 480m here at just 15.2%. The numbers make this the selection on quality, but the draw makes it Speculative in confidence terms. In a race where the sprint specialist from trap 2 should be discounted, Distant Billy has the clear edge on pace and ratings among the genuine stayers.