Racing: Strong pace will suit Gee I Jane in Brisbane

DOOMBEN - Many are predicting a fast pace in the BTC Cup at Doomben in Brisbane today and Waikato trainer Neville Couchman hopes they are right.

Couchman's smart mare Gee I Jane is in the A$300,000 ($377,000) weight-for-age sprint, but she is a backrunner and will need a strong pace if she is to figure in the finish.

All Bar One almost guarantees it. He is a noted frontrunner, who two weeks ago won the Sir Byrne Hart Stakes at Doomben unchallenged.

However, this time All Bar One will have smart filly Virage De Fortune and Volitant to contend with, as both like to lead in their races.

"All Bar One got away with murder in the Sir Byrne Hart, but I think he will have something on his back on Saturday," said Couchman. "It looks like there is a lot of speed and that will suit us."

He said he would normally be wary about a barrier draw of one for his mare, but thinks it will be a help today.

"With the speed in the race, we should be able to get off the fence when we want to."

Couchman said Gee I Jane was fit and ready for a big race.

Her main target is the A$1 million Stradbroke Handicap on June 10 at Eagle Farm, a course that should suit her because the track is bigger and has a longer home straight.

But Couchman thinks that, with a fast pace, the tighter Doomben circuit might not be such a problem for her as some might think.

- NZPA