That is the best class to start in. I think your plane will be fine. The first step is to show up with a plane. It takes a couple of trips to get a handle on what is going on. When it coms to flying scale make it reliable. Great planes that dead stick all the time will not place well; pick the engine you are most comfortable running. I have seen Monokote finishes win; it is dependent on plane and applier. As I said show up with a plane. I spend most of my time trying to talk with the experts and looking at their planes, also helps with nerves.