Ready for title defence despite winning drought

DON'T let the drought fool you, she is ready for her title defence.

That was the warning from Michael Bellman ahead of tonight's South Australia Trotters' Cup heats at Globe Derby.

Bellman is poised to contest the opening qualifier with Jazspur, which captured last year's edition to provide the horseman with his biggest training victory.

Although Jazspur has failed to find the winners' circle since, Bellman is positive the mare can retain her throne.

"She hasn't won since the Cup last year, but has still run some good races," Bellman said. "Take her last start for example...she came off 50 metres to run fifth and was only beaten 20.

"The start before that she was off 30, worked hard and only went down by 12.

"She is off 30 again tonight, but it is a smaller field, and although a pretty even field, is down a bit on what she has been racing.

"I'm very confident she can make it into the Final and then be ready to defend her title."

Bellman has several engagements on the card, including a 'catch' drive behind Just Jimmy in a Golden Nursery heat.

Trained by Sharon Newman, Just Jimmy is on the third line of betting at $5 from barrier four.

"He's a very consistent two-year-old, so it is a nice drive to pick up," Bellman said. "Hopefully I can get the job done with him."