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Over many years the Jeremy Sylvester-Robert Thompson combination has come up trumps.

At Quirindi on Monday the good mates from Cessnock will be out to continue their winning run when they combine with Azzalin in the Les Howard Willow Tree Cup – a Benchmark 60 handicap over 1450m.

Thompson, with more winners to his name than any other Australian jockey, more often than not answers the call when asked to ride for Sylvester.

“We’ve had a lot of luck together,” Sylvester said. “It’s always good to have Robert aboard.”

Sylvester is the fourth trainer to prepare Azzalin, a five-year-old gelding by American sire Aussie Rules. The gelding has recorded three wins under Sylvester’s care and has an overall record of five wins and four placing’s from 34 starts.

Azzalin is coming off a last start 0.3 length defeat of Can Dominate in a 1280m handicap at Muswellbrook on April 20.

The grinding win was recorded on a heavy 10 racing surface.

“He’s done well since the run,” Sylvester said. “It was a good effort on the heavy track.

“I’ve got my own track at home and he hasn’t missed any work. The big wet hasn’t affected him.

“I took him to Newcastle last Tuesday for a gallop on the Pro Ride and he worked well.”

Sylvester said it is never easy getting horses that have had a long life with other trainers.

“The trick is to keep them happy,” Sylvester added. “He enjoys our environment with big yards.”

Sylvester describes Azzalin, a grey, as “a pretty straight forward sort of horse.

“He’s just an honest little customer. A nice horse to do anything with.”

Azzalin has never won over 1400m but has been placed at the trip at Newcastle back on March 7.

“He’s got a good alley (barrier three) and Robert Thompson should give him the gun run,” Sylvester added. “That looks good to me.

“His last win was like a 1400 metres race being so heavy.

“I think he’ll get the trip.”