Losing that race on a dubious interference call could have cost He's Remarkable's connections up to $5 million in future stallion earnings and James says the fact the exciting galloper is a stallion could also cost him today.
"He is going into the race as well as I can have him without a trial or a race," he told the Herald.
"But he is a stallion now and he is starting to look like one, a real autumn bull.
"So he will be carrying extra condition and that could tell against him.
"I think he can win and wouldn't be surprised but he could also run on to finish third or fourth and that wouldn't surprise me either.
"But he is very, very well and a lot stronger than he used to be."
He's Remarkable is rated the $5.50 third favourite in Australia behind Fast Clip and Under The Eiffel but he has been plunged in Australia before and if the track dries he and jockey Corey Brown could come in for plenty of late support.
He has drawn perfectly at barrier five and while he carries 58kg that is only 2.5kg above the minimum for today's race.
James has gone with Brown as He's Remarkable's rider with an eye to the 52kg he has been handed in the Doncaster. "There are not many guys around who can ride that weight easily who are in Corey's class," he said.
But his other major Sydney riding engagement is bound to raise some eyebrows at home, with Hugh Bowman replacing New Zealand's wonder jockey James McDonald on Silent Achiever.
McDonald was the standout of the recent Auckland Cup meeting and rode Silent Achiever to perfection to win the Telecom Derby but Bowman is preferred because of his enormous experience in Australia.
"And I will put my hand up and say this was a decision made by the owners and myself together," said James.
"We all know James is a special rider and a credit to the industry in New Zealand. But Hugh has so much experience over here, with the tracks, the opposition and the opposition jockeys.
"So it was a business decision and one we are thinking long-term with, because she could be a Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate horse.
"We all know James is going to make it big in Australia or wherever he ends up but this is a decision for this one horse."
Silent Achiever heads to Sydney next week and races in the Rosehill Guineas on Saturday week before a final decision is made on whether to tackle the AJC Derby a fortnight later of the AJC Oaks a week after that.
"She is very well and the interest in her over here has been amazing," said James.
Silent Achiever is the $8 favourite for the Derby in Australia, but surprisingly only third favourite for the Oaks because that classic is more likely to be targeted by local superstar and last Saturday's Randwick Guineas winner Mosheen.
HE'S RETURNING
* He's Remarkable returns in the Newmarket at Newcastle today.
* He is being aimed at next month's Doncaster Handicap.
* Hugh Bowman has replaced New Zealand's champion jockey James McDonald on Silent Achiever.
* Trainer Roger James says he and the owners have opted for more Australian experience.
