I don,t class myself just distance minded But because I flew the shorter races with good success with my brother before moving here i chose to have a go at distance.I have always fed my birds plenty early season in belief it helps to give them plenty fuel and not take anything out them till the national races come along , I have done reasonably well in the inland nat but like you George have never timed out of the gold cup 0/4 races , I did time on the night from clermont 2015 but could,nt get him right this season after his hen died but still think I have a way to go too get to the best men at the distance . I sometimes get a clock set but not always time in but anyone at club that handles my birds will know they are not a threat to the top men my opinion is it takes a lot of time and extra special fancier to be very good at both and because I don,t have time my choice is distance. Jmo.