Jack Bruce experienced a welcome change of fortune when Canadian Fling, a horse whose initial trials were somewhat underwhelming, delivered a victory at Gold Coast just three weeks ago.

Canadian Fling is expected to attract significant support at Ipswich on Thursday for the Gibson Architects Benchmark 58 Handicap, a 1700-metre event that will be run with the rail positioned nine metres out along the entire course.

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

“I thought her first trial for me was a little disappointing but as she has done more work she has steadily kept improving. I gave her three trials before going to Gold Coast and I probably thought she needed a run on that occasion, but she was too good (over 1400m). On the back of that I thought the rise in distance would suit so hence we are going to 1700.”

The six-year-old mare joined Bruce’s stable a few months ago, having previously been under the tutelage of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Unlike the common tendency for runners from that stable to take up a commanding early lead, Canadian Fling settled towards the back of the field.

This tactical decision, however, was more a reflection of the horse’s disposition than a strict race plan.

“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.”

As of Wednesday, Canadian Fling is the firm $2.50 favourite across all major betting platforms.

Compare the latest online bookmakers for the Ipswich races.