While some trial standouts fail to perform on raceday, Jack Bruce experienced a pleasing outcome when Canadian Fling secured a victory at Gold Coast three weeks prior.

Canadian Fling is anticipated to be a strong public favourite at Ipswich on Thursday as she prepares to compete in the Gibson Architects Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1700 metres. The track will feature the rail out nine metres across the entire circuit.

“She’s done a good job,” Bruce commented.

“I thought her first trial for me was a little disappointing but as she has undertaken more work, she has consistently improved. I gave her three trials before heading to Gold Coast and I likely believed she required a run on that occasion, however, she proved superior (over 1400m). Following that, I considered the increase in distance would be beneficial, hence our decision to contest the 1700 metres.”

The six-year-old mare joined Bruce’s stable a few months ago, having previously been under the care of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. In contrast to the typical pattern of their horses leading from the start, Canadian Fling settled towards the back of the field.

However, this was more a matter of circumstance than a deliberate strategy.

“I am happy to let horses find their feet and if she skipped out of the gates then fine, but she settled back and come home well so I was happy with that. I showed she had another string to her bow.”

Canadian Fling is currently the $2.50 favourite across betting platforms as of Wednesday.

You can find the best racing odds for the Ipswich meeting at leading Australian betting sites.