Trainer John O'Shea gained some consolation for Zabrasive's Derby defeat when Jessicabeel confirmed her status as a leading Sydney Cup contender with victory in the Chairman's Handicap.Favourite Zabrasive ($3.70) finished fourth in the AJC Australian Derby won by Shoot Out but the smile was back on O'Shea's face after Jessicabeel's Group Two victory over 2600 metres."It was a great ride by Craig Williams," O'Shea said."She is right on track for the Sydney Cup."We didn't get the same run in the D

Trainer John O'Shea gained some consolation for Zabrasive's Derby defeat when Jessicabeel confirmed her status as a leading Sydney Cup contender with victory in the Chairman's Handicap.

Favourite Zabrasive ($3.70) finished fourth in the AJC Australian Derby won by Shoot Out but the smile was back on O'Shea's face after Jessicabeel's Group Two victory over 2600 metres.

"It was a great ride by Craig Williams," O'Shea said.

"She is right on track for the Sydney Cup.

"We didn't get the same run in the Derby but credit where credit's due, the winner is exceptional."

Williams brought Jessicabeel ($12) from near last at the top of the straight.

She lengthened stride and went on to beat 2008 Sydney Cup winner No Wine No Song ($5.50) by two lengths with last year's AJC Australian Derby runner-up Harris Tweed ($5.50) another head away third.

Capecover ($20) put in strong performance for fourth with the favourite Precedence ($2.25) fifth after pulling hard during the race.

Kevin Moses was happy with No Wine No Song but dismayed at the 59kg topweight he had to carry.

"I don't know how he got that weight and imagine what he could have done with less," he said.

No Wine No Song has been nursed back to health after suffering what was thought to be a career-ending injury.

Kiwi trainer Murray Baker and jockey Michael Rodd were both pleased with Harris Tweed who ran a solid fifth in last year's Melbourne Cup over the 3200 metres of the Sydney Cup.

"He is on the right track and if we get wet ground, even better," Baker said.

Michelle Payne was warming the saddle for Steven Arnold on Capecover and said the horse pleased her.

"He hit the line nicely, it was a nice run heading to the Cup," she said.

Capecover is trained by Payne's brother Patrick and won the Adelaide Cup (3200m) in March at his previous start.