DIST FIRST TIME

Fires when no starts within ±220 yards of today's distance appear in the last 10 races. Unlike STRETCHING_OUT or SHORTENING_UP (which indicate unprecedented distance extremes), DIST_FIRST_TIME fires whenever the horse simply hasn't tried today's distance regardless of whether it's longer or shorter. Some distances require different pace management strategies, energy distribution, and physical fitness profiles. Until proven at a distance, a horse's ability there is an open question.