Champion jockey James McDonald.
Camera IconChampion jockey James McDonald. Credit: AAP

Sydney Cup: Veteran mare Etah James proves everyone wrong

Ray ThomasThe Sunday Telegraph

When Glen Boss climbed aboard veteran mare Etah James he knew she was much better than the 30-1 being offered, but not in his wildest dreams did he think she could actually win the Sydney Cup.

But even the ever-confident Boss admitted he wasn’t expecting Etah James to win the $1 million Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick.

Boss then went out and produced a tactical masterclass on Etah James while the horse he feared most, English raider Young Rascal failed to stay.

The rest is history as the champion jockey guided Etah James to a narrow win, completing a Group 1 double in successive races after winning the Australian Oaks just 35 minutes on Colette.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Boss rode his 86th Group 1 winner as the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Etah James edged out The Chosen One in a thrilling finish to the 3200m stamina test.

“Full credit to Ciaron and his team because he has just had her long enough to put a bit of polish on her,’’ Boss said of Etah James.

“I’ve been riding her work and I trialled her here in a very fast trial and I said this mare flying. Her work on Tuesday was exceptional.

“I said to Ciaron this morning this will be the best 30-1 shot I’ve ridden in a Group 1 race. I wasn’t expecting to beat the English horse (Young Rascal) to be honest but I was expecting to be in the first three.’’

The Game AFL 2024

Boss, who won the Sydney Cup on the legendary mare Makybe Diva in 2004, gave Etah James the run of the race and when the seven-year-old mare cruised up outside the leaders including Young Rascal on the turn, the jockey started to believe.

Glen Boss gives Etah James’s performance the victory salute.
Camera IconGlen Boss gives Etah James’s performance the victory salute. Credit: AAP

“When I saw that most of them were off the bridle and chasing at the 600m and I was coming up underneath and I thought I’m going to run very well,’’ Boss said.

“I tell you what that last sort of 400m felt like an eternity because we were going so slow but she is a genuine stayer and kept grinding away.’’

Etah James, who was backed into $14, held off a determined The Chosen One ($18) to win by a head with Raheen House ($6) a half length away third.

Young Rascal, the $2.90 favourite, challenged for the lead on the turn but didn’t stay a strong 3200m and tired to run seventh.

Bred and owned by Mark Lupton, the nephew of Snowy Lupton, trainer of famous 1983 Melbourne Cup winner Kiwi, Etah James was having her first start for Maher after joining the stable just over a month ago.

Maher had to watch the Sydney Cup from Caulfield — and also iron filly’s Away Game’s tremendous Percy Sykes Stakes win earlier in the day — but the trainer was obviously “extremely proud” of the stable’s results on Day Two of The Championships.

“I’ve got to make special mention of my (assistant trainer and Sydney stable representative) Annabel Neasham, she sensational job with Etah James,’’ Maher said.

Glen Boss returns to the mounting yard after riding Etah James to victory.
Camera IconGlen Boss returns to the mounting yard after riding Etah James to victory. Credit: AAP

“Given the coronavirus restrictions, normally I’m up in Sydney twice a week but I haven’t been able to do that although I do speak to Annabel probably 25 times a day.

“We decided to give Etah James a barrier trial to keep her up to the mark and we felt the mare was a solid, probably each way, chance.

“But she is a genuine two-miler and when they get down to those weights over trips like that, anything is possible.

“Glen is in such elite form, he gave her a peach of a ride and it came down to a head margin.’’

Maher said he had a brief conversation with New Zealand-based Lupton and hopes Etah James can remain in training next season and potentially be aimed at a Melbourne Cup.

“Full credit to Mark (Lupton) and his operation because the mare came to us in great order,’’ Maher said.

“I’m not sure what the catalyst was to send the mare to us but we are very appreciative he chose us.

“I spoke to Mark briefly so to get a win like that for an owner-breeder, there is nothing better.’’

Kiwi training genius Murray Baker, who prepared Quick Thinker to win the Australian Derby last week, very nearly had another Group 1 win with The Chosen One.

“The Chosen One was very good, he dived late and just missed,’’ Baker said.

“It was the plan to get him to the Sydney Cup with the 53.5kg as we knew he would improve after having 57kg in the lead-ups.

“He was strong, so it was a good sign. We will spell him now and he is qualified for the Melbourne Cup, so we will have a crack at that.’’

MORE RACING

TAB BIG BETS

RACE ONE

Untamed defied a big betting drift to land the money in the Cellarbrations Fernhill Mile (1600m).

The Team Snowden runner started the day as a $2.40 favourite, however, by jump time had blown out to its best price all week - $3.60.

Arriving in time under the urgings of Nash Rawiller, Untamed nabbed Wheelhouse ($16-$12-$15) and Fayeera ($11-$8.50) right on the line.

The disappointment in the race was the heavily tried Postcode. Backed into $2.50 favourite, Postcode led but weakened out of it. He held 52 percent of the total investment.

BETS: Untamed $1000 @ $3.60 TWICE

BETS: Postcode $2900 @ $2.60, $1500 @ $2.60, $1250 @ $2.60, $3000 @ $2.50, $1200 @ $2.50, $2000 @ $2.40, $1000 @ $2.40

BETS: Azaly $8000 @ $4.60

RACE TWO

Indy Car landed some nice bets when racing away to take out The Agency South Pacific Classic (1400m).

Anthony Cummings’ stable rep opened $13 on Wednesday and immediately came in for support. Yesterday, it was $6.50-$5.50 and third most popular in terms of money held behind Hilo ($5-$3.70) and Yao Dash ($3.40-$3.70).

BETS: Indy Car $8000 @ $5.50

BETS: Hilo $1700 @ $4, $1500 @ $4 TWICE, $1000 @ $4, $1000 @ $3.90

BETS: Knickpoint $2000 e/w @ $5/$1.75

BETS: Yao Dash $1500 @ $3.70

RACE THREE

Through The Cracks was the most significant mover today leading into the Polytrack Provincial Championships Final (1400m).

TAB had the Angela Davis runner at $8 on Saturday morning but a serious move saw it bottom out at $5.50 before starting a $6.50 chance.

The most popular runner in the race, Through The Cracks held 25 percent of the total investment and was a horror result for TAB.

Finishing off powerfully down the centre of the track with James McDonald on board, Through The Cracks defeated Moana Jewel ($21-$34) and Oxford Tycoon ($19-$11) which had been tried at eachway odds. Oakfield Missile, fourth across the line, had been a noted firmer too having gone $23-$11-16 as was Enchanted Heart ($18-$9).

BETS: Through The Cracks $1400 @ $6

BETS: Animate $1000 @ $6

BETS: Asharani $1000 @ $7 TWICE, $1000 @ $6.50, $1600 @ $6

BETS: Electric Girl $2000 @ $6, $1000 @ $6

BETS: Oxford Tycoon $1000 @ $12

RACE FOUR

Punters were on good terms with themselves in the Heineken 3 Percy Sykes (1200m) as the heavily backed favourite landed several big bets.

Away Game went around as a popular $3.20 favourite after bottoming out at $2.80. She held five times more money than anything else in the race.

The Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace filly exploded away down the straight, racing clear to beat Vangelic ($18) and See You Soon ($8.50-$12).

Of the others, Swat’s That ($9) held the most money outside the favourite while Dame Giselle ($5-$7) carried big money also despite the drift.

BETS: Away Game $3000 @ $3.20, $3000 @ $3.10, $2000 @ $3.10, $1000 @ $3.10 TWICE, $2000 @ $3, $1500 @ $3, $2000 @ $2.80

BETS: Rock My Wand $2000 @ $16

BETS: Swat’s That $2100 e/w @ $9/$2.90, $2000 e/w @ $8.50/$2.80

BETS: Forbidden Love $1500 @ $18

RACE FIVE

There was a move to suggest that Splintex would run a good race in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m).

TAB had the Mark Newnham runner at $16 in the morning but by the time the race rolled around, just $10 was on the table.

Running right up to that support, Robbie Dolan got everything out of Splintex which led throughout to narrowly hold off Flit ($7) which flew late and missed out in a photo.

Anaheed ($8.50-$6.50) wound up third off a wide run.

The big disappointment from a punting perspective was Cosmic Force, which went around as one of the most popular runners all day. Holding four times as much as anything else in this race, Cosmic Force was a very costly $3 favourite after commanding 45 percent of the total investment.

BETS: Cosmic Force $5000 @ $3, $4030 @ $3, $2000 @ $3, $1,000 @ $3 TWICE, $20,000 @ $2.90, $15,000 @ $2.90, $5000 @ $2.90, $2000 @ $2.90, $1500 x $6,000 e/w @ $2.90/$1.45, $1500 @ $2.90, $1000 @ $2.90, $10,000 @ $2.80, $1500 @ $2.80

BETS: California Zimbol $2,450 x $2,000 e/w @ $7/$2.30

BETS: Flit $2,000 e/w @ $7/$2.30

RACE SIX

The Star Australian Oaks (2400m) was a stirring betting affair between Colette and Probabeel.

Colette ($3.20-$3.50-$2.90) started the day as favourite but early on was overtaken by Probabeel ($4-$2.90-$3.30), however, she overtook the Kiwi once again by early afternoon.

Going around with more than double the amount of money than Probabeel, Colette landed a number of big bets and delivered a hammer blow to TAB.

Sweeping up to the leaders three and for-wide turning for home, Colette raced away for an impressive win over Toffee Tongue ($13-$15) and Quintessa ($23-$17).

Probabeel was the disappointment in the race having raced in the second half of the field and unable to make any ground.

BETS: Colette $5000 @ $3.20, $2900 @ $3.10, $20,000 @ $2.90, $10,000 @ $2.90 TWICE, $3000 @ $2.90, $2500 @ $2.90 TWICE, $2000 @ $2.90, $1000 @ $2.90 TWICE

BETS: Probabeel $1072 @ $3.80, $4000 @ $3.30, $2000 @ $3.30, $1000 @ $3

RACE SEVEN

Betting was the big indicator of the Schweppes Sydney Cup ($3200m).

Young Rascal went around as favourite and most popular runner but blew late, going $2.50-$2.80.

Etah James on the other hand opened $26 in the morning and was down to $15 at the jump.

Glen Boss got the best out of the Maher & Eustace runner to beat The Chosen One ($19) and Raheen House ($8-$6.50).

Young Rascal was nearly three times as popular as Mustajeer ($5) with the pair dominating the hold.

BETS: Raheen House $1000 @ $6.50

BETS: Young Rascal $10,000 @ $2.90, $5000 @ $2.80, $1000 @ $2.80 MULTIPLE TIMES, $7,100 @ $2.70, $2000 @ $2.70, $1000 @ $2.70, $5000 e/w @ $2.50/$1.35

BETS: Mustajeer $1000 @ $5

BETS: The Chosen One $1000 x $1500 e/w @ $18/$4.40

RACE EIGHT

Addeybb went around a deserved favourite despite a late drift in the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

The imported galloper was $3.80 this morning and $4 when final field betting commenced on Tuesday. At the jump, TAB were offering $4.40 which was the best price available all week.

Chasing a hot speed set by Gailo Chop, Addeybb hit the front on straightening and kicked far too well for his rivals to win running away.

Interestingly, while the William Haggas rep was only fourth most popular with TAB in terms of the hold. Danon Premium was clearly best supported in front of Verry Elleegant and Melody Belle ($11-$7-$9).

Verry Elleegant ($6-$5) ran on for second just in front of Danon Premium ($3.80-$5-$4.60) which saw good money late after hitting $5.

BETS: Addeybb $3500 @ $4.40, $1500 @ $4.40, $2000 @ $4

BETS: Danon Premium $10,000 @ $5, $1500 @ $5, $1000 @ $5 MULTIPLE TIMES, $3000 @ $4.60, $1500 @ $4.60, $1800 @ $4

BETS: Imaging $1500 @ $126

BETS: Kolding $1500 @ $51

BETS: Verry Elleegant $14,000 @ $5, $1000 @ $5 MULTIPLE TIMES

BETS: Kings Will Dream $1000 @ $71

BETS: Melody Belle $5000 e/w @ $8/$2.50

BETS: Master Of Wine $2500 x $2000 e/w @ $11/$3, $1500 @ $11

RACE NINE

Con Te Partiro was one of few firmers in the Coolmore Legacy Stakes (1600 metres).

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained runner opened the day at $13 and was backed into $10 shortly after. Come jump time, TAB were betting $8.

Late betting saw Funstar sensationally supported, bottoming out at $2.40 before starting $2.60 after $3 was offered earlier in the week.

Given a sweet run just off the leaders, Con Te Partiro was taken three-wide approaching the home turn by Tim Clark with the pair exploding shortly after. They raced away to beat Funstar and Danzdanzdance ($26).

Funstar was one of the most popular runners all day in terms of money held.

BETS: Con Te Partiro $1000 @ $9

BETS: Funstar $10,000 @ $2.60, $4000 @ $2.60, $8000 @ $2.80, $5000 @ $2.80, $1750 @ $2.80, $1667 @ $2.80, $1500 @ $2.60, $3000 @ $2.50, $2000 @ $2.50, $1380 @ $2.50, $10,261 @ $2.40, $4000 @ $2.40, $1400 @ $2.40, $1250 @ $2.40, $1000 @ $2.40 MULTIPLE TIMES

BETS: Alizee $2000 @ $10

BETS: Nettoyer $,000 @ $7.50, $1,000 e/w @ $7.50/$2.50, $1,000 @ $7.50

BETS: Miss Siska $2000 @ $21

BETS: Danzdanzdance $1000 e/w @ $26/$5

Punters put a fortune on Funstar but it was Con Te Partiro who reigned supreme.
Camera IconPunters put a fortune on Funstar but it was Con Te Partiro who reigned supreme. Credit: AAP

RACE 10

White Moss led throughout to land a handy betting move in the TAB Sapphire Stakes (1200m).

Jason Coyle’s mare was backed from $18 into $10 on the day, rated to perfection by Nash Rawiller with the pair delivering a handy result for her backers.

Fasika ($4.20-$3.40) was well supported and held the most money. She tried hard in chasing the winner but couldn’t peg her back.

Bangkok ($19-$17-$23) was tried earlier in the day but the money for her dried up in the afternoon. Savatiano carried a number of big bets and briefly took favouritism after going $4-$3.40, however, she got back out to $3.70 at the jump.

BETS: White Moss $1000 @ $10

BETS: Savatiano $2000 @ $3.90, $2000 @ $3.80, $1072 @ $3.80, $5000 @ $3.70, $1600 @ $3.50, $1,250 @ $3.40,

BETS: Fasika $2000 @ $3.60 TWICE, $1000 @ $3.60 MULTIPLE TIMES, $7000 @ $3.50, $1,500 @ $3.50, $1450 @ $3.50

BETS: Manicure $1000 @ $7.50

BETS: Winter Bride $1500 @ $14, $1000 @ $14