KEY POINTS:
New Zealand trainer Neville Couchman has given a blunt assessment of Gee I Jane's British-bound opposition as his mare attempts to defend her crown in the BTC Cup at Doomben on Saturday.
Couchman said he was not afraid of taking on champion sprinter Takeover Target and rising star Bentley Biscuit who are both headed to England.
Takeover Target and Bentley Biscuit are to race against fellow Australian sprinters Miss Andretti and Magnus in the group one Golden Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot in England next month.
Takeover Target was rated the world's best sprinter last year after his Global Sprint Challenge performances and is regarded by Couchman as the one to beat in the BTC Cup, which attracted a field of 11 when acceptances closed yesterday.
Gee I Jane drew perfectly in gate four for the 1200m feature, the first group one race of the Brisbane winter carnival. Takeover Target drew awkwardly in gate nine while the Gai Waterhouse-trained Bentley Biscuit will jump from five.
"I'm quite happy with barrier four and to run against Bentley Biscuit and Takeover Target," Couchman said. "If my mare runs up to her ability she'll be right in the finish.
"Takeover Target is the one to beat if he's as good as last year but I'm a little surprised they are taking Bentley Biscuit away to England.
"Takeover Target has been around the world and beaten the best and his resume is pretty flash. But there are a few in this race that might be looking for rain, including Bentley Biscuit."
Gee I Jane was yesterday at $17 on the New South Wales TAB. Bentley Biscuit was a $3.20 favourite, ahead of local hope Mitanni at $4 and Takeover Target at $4.60.
Gee I Jane won last year's BTC Cup for jockey Scott Seamer when she downed Daunting Lad and All Bar One but on Saturday will be reunited with Michael Rodd, who has ridden her twice in her 29-start career.
Gee I Jane's last start was an unlucky third to Jazzella in the group three Darley Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 3.
"She got carved up after only 200m last start," Couchman said. "She was chopped out and was pushed back through the field. It was a great run and I think she's going equally as good now as when she won the BTC Cup last year. There's more to come."
- AAP
