The most complete profile in this field at a trip that rewards early pace above all else. Union Piper heads the field on average performance at 71 — well clear of her nearest rival — and tops the speed rankings at 54, which matters enormously when six dogs are running flat-out from the moment the traps open. Crucially, her first-bend rating of 58 is the best among the runners with established data, confirming she gets away quickly and travels through the corner efficiently. As a near-Fader with 84% early pace, she will be pressing from the break rather than sitting in behind. She ran second from T4 in D1 company just nine days ago — this is the right grade for her current level and she knows the track well. The combination of superior speed, best bend rating, and proven D1 form makes her the clear selection even from a draw that carries no particular structural advantage.