Trainer Jeremy Sylvester is confident that he and veteran jockey Robert Thompson are in a strong position to continue their impressive affiliation when Three Sheets lines up for this afternoon’s Jungle Juice Cup (1350m) at Cessnock.
Three Sheets is a clear favourite to win this afternoon’s Jungle Juice Cup at Cessnock. Photo: Steve Hart
Individually, Sylvester and Thompson have posted eight and eleven wins respectively in the popular Cessnock feature race, while together the pair have claimed an impressive six wins in the Jungle Juice Cup.
Having combined for victories in the three most recent editions of the Jungle Juice Cup with race specialist Youthful King, Sylvester is thrilled with the condition of Three Sheets and is confident the horse will have no issue performing in a step up to 1350m for the first time this campaign.
“Yes he’s up in distance sharply,” Sylvester told Racenet.
“I would have preferred a 1200 metre race as a lead up but there’s been nothing suitable. We’ve had to go with what we’ve got.
“He’s pulled up good from Randwick and had steady work leading into Tuesday. He relaxes in his races and gets home hard like he has in his two wins this time in.
“I’m very happy with the horse.”
Three Sheets is poised to begin the 2016 Jungle Juice Cup a resounding odds-on favourite, and Sylvester would love to saddle the four-year-old to success for the horse’s local connections.
“All the boys are having a bit of fun with him,” he said.
“He’s owned locally and it’s a big local race so we thought we’d have a crack at it.”
Three Sheets has finished outside the first three only a handful of times through fifteen career starts so far; claiming five wins and six minors since debuting in winter last year.
Sylvester will also saddle Collar in the Jungle Juice Cup, and is believes Queensland-based hoop Tegan Harrison could be the difference in the Ballina Cup winner’s chances.
“He’s good. I’m happy with him,” Sylvester said.
“He ran second in this race last year and comes in nice and fresh. Tegan Harrison won the Ballina Cup on him and rode him quite a few times in Brisbane for me.
“He’s definitely a good chance.”
Ladbrokes Australia currently rate Three Sheets a $1.85 favourite in Jungle Juice Cup betting markets, while Collar can be taken at a generous quote of $13 for success.
