Brendon McCoull has done just about everything he possibly could during an illustrious career in the saddle - except win a Launceston Cup.
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The 14-time premiership-winning jockey hopes that will change next Wednesday when he rides favourite Etymology in the $250,000 race.
Etymology, trained by James Cummings for global racing giant Godolphin, retained favouritism at $2.80 after Friday's final acceptances.
Only 10 horses remain in the field, including five from interstate, with 2018 winner Bondeiger the most notable absentee from the original entries.
McCoull had his first ride for Cummings in the Strutt Stakes in Hobart a fortnight ago and his win on Rock Dove opened more doors.
"They contacted me to ride Rock Dove and, after she won, they booked me to ride her again in the Oaks," the jockey explained.
He looks like a really good horse in a good race
- Jockey Brendon McCoull
"At the same time, I put out a feeler to see whether the ride on Etymology was available and I was lucky enough to get it."
Despite his long career, McCoull can't recall many Launceston Cup rides, certainly not on horses with a genuine chance.
"I think Dream Quest was probably the best ride I've had but we ran into Peter Moody's good horse (Zacielo) that year and had to settle for third.
"Etymology would be my best chance of winning it - he looks like a really good horse in a good race.
"It's one of the best quality cups I can remember but he's really in-form and he's a well-travelled horse so coming over here won't be a problem.
"He's certainly got a few things in his favour."
Seven of the 10 runners will be ridden by interstate-based jockeys including former Tasmanian apprentice Raquel Clark who has been taking all before her in South Australia.
She is on outsider Settler's Stone.
Damian Oliver will be looking for his third win on Second Bullet.
Oliver won the race two years in a row on King's Landing and Streak in the late 1990s.
TAB CUP MARKET
2.80 Etymology
4.50 Eastender
5.00 Lamborghini
7.00 Second Bullet
8.00 Fabrizio
13.00 Appmat
17.00 Speed Force
26.00 Snoano
101.00 Settler's Stone
101.00 White Hawk
- Available at tab.com.au