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By Geoff Newling

Reigning Tamworth Cup champion Chrysolaus is one of 16 nominees for next Monday’s $20,000 Shay Brennan Constructions Tamworth Cup Prelude.

The five-year-old grey son of retired Tamworth stallion Youthful Legs, bred by the late John Clift, won last year’s Tamworth Cup in brilliant and emotional fashion for Bendemeer trainer Jane Clement.

A winner of six races from 30 starts the gelding was sold and is now trained by Cessnock trainer Jeremy Sylvester.

He resumed from an 18 week spell with an impressive 1.14length third to Royal Tudor at Scone last Monday.

Sylvester has also nominated Three Sheets for Monday’s Cup Prelude, the winner of which gains automatic entry into the $100,000 Tamworth Cup (1400m) on 30 April.

“It’s going to be a handy race,” Tamworth Jockey Club General Manager Damon Sullivan said.

“Craig martin has nominated Mapmaker and Our Masquerade as well. Mapmaker was fourth to Caerless Choice in the Country Championship Qualifier at Scone and Our Masquerade was a good third in the Narromine Cup the other day after finishing second in the Guyra Cup.

“Jane Clement also has Darciwood nominated. He won first up for Jane the other day too, be nice if she could go back to back in the Tamworth Cup.”

Scone trainer Rod Northam has nominated Hot Vinni as well for the 1200m Prelude after the gelding flashed home from back in the field and first up at Scone last Monday.

The winner of Monday’s Mornington Prelude also earns exemption from ballot in the $40,000 Mornington Handicap on Tamworth Cup day.

Jeremy Sylvester has nominated Quirindi Cup placegetter Bayview Emperor for the Prelude in a race that also attracted Paul Perry’s Quartermaster and Paddy Cunningham’s Carry On Jake.

Carry On Jake won the Guyra Cup-Armidale Cup double and was a game fifth at Doomben last start.

“It’s going to be a good day, with two quality races,” Mr Sullivan said.

“It’s going to be a tough day competing against Canterbury on Monday but we are also trying a few experimental things with free Easter Eggs, free race books and free entry. There will also be a few free drinks.”