Ipswich racecourse frequently offers sprint races over short distances like 800 metres, a rarity in many other racing locations, providing trainers such as Pat Webster with excellent opportunities.

The experienced trainer has two contenders in the Barrier Reef Pools Benchmark 65 Handicap scheduled for Thursday. Among them is Runaround Sue, who is aiming to enhance her strong record at the Ipswich track.

“We like to use those races for a lot of horses resuming,” Webster said.

“Sometimes we hold them back from a second trial, or even start them first-up with no trials over the half-mile and if you’re lucky enough you can get an earn out of it. I think they are a good tool.”

With two wins and two placings from her six starts, Webster believes the 800-metre distance is ideal for the seven-year-old mare, particularly as she races effectively second-up, indicating her potential for another good performance.

Runaround Sue was defeated by a narrow margin, less than half a length, in her first start back at Toowoomba over 870 metres on August 15.

“I think she’ll run well second-up,” Webster stated.

“She probably could have had a run sooner in the prep than she did but there wasn’t much around for her at the time so she is on the quick back-up for a horse that only started ten days ago.

“But I’m happy with her going into tomorrow and gate one will definitely help.”

Master trainer Pat Webster, who also guides apprentice Chloe Lowe, has found success by carefully selecting the mare’s race engagements.

Lowe will be aboard Runaround Sue, and her two-kilogram claim will reduce the mare’s weight to 57.5 kilograms.

“Chloe rides a lot of our work and has won a few on this horse,” Webster commented.

“She is going pretty good. There is still a bit of tidying up to do but she is a hard worker and is very good on horses that run along.”

Webster’s other runner, Medals, also carries a three-kilogram apprentice claim. However, racing first-up and burdened with 61 kilograms, the gelding might face an uphill battle.

“I probably would have taken him to a race in the country, an open 1000m if there was one but I think he’ll run well,” Pat added.

Runaround Sue is the $3.80 favourite in early markets released on Wednesday, with Medals at $4. Explore the available racing betting markets for this event.