Ciaron Maher will rely on familiarity as much as form when Jimmysstar lines up as favourite for Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10000 at Doomben, with Ethan Brown returning from Hong Kong to reunite with the gelding in one of Australia’s key sprint features of the Brisbane carnival.

Brown, currently riding in Hong Kong until the end of the 2025/26 season, was granted permission to return for the AU$1.5 million contest alongside eight-time Hong Kong champion Zac Purton. The booking was quickly reflected in Australian betting markets, with Jimmysstar maintaining clear favouritism despite drawing barrier 11 over 1200 metres.

Maher made it clear the partnership between jockey and horse was central to the decision.

“Ethan Brown knows what he’s doing. He’s got a great rapport with the horse,” Maher said, noting Brown’s stint in Hong Kong was further sharpening his race-riding experience. “He’s been riding well over there (in Hong Kong), and it’ll only add to his ability and experience. I’m rapt to have him on.”

The trainer also indicated the distance may not be ideal for the Per Incanto gelding, although he remains confident the track profile will suit.

“‘Jimmy’ is in very good order. It is probably going to be short of his best (distance). But he handles tight tracks like Caulfield and Doomben – shouldn’t be an issue.”

Jimmysstar established himself among Australia’s elite sprinters during 2025 with Group 1 victories in the Oakleigh Plate, C F Orr Stakes and All Aged Stakes, all ridden by Brown. His latest outing produced a closing third behind Beiwacht in the 2026 All Aged Stakes at Randwick on 18 April after settling at the rear.

Maher’s national assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the stable remained satisfied with the horse’s preparation despite minor setbacks during recent runs.

“Our team have been complimentary of his performances, but it’s been whether he’s copped a bump out of the gates, or whether he’s got too far back,” Turnbull said.

That assessment was significant given Jimmysstar’s racing pattern has often left him vulnerable against high-class opposition.

“I know there was this expectation that he was going to go bang, bang, bang, but unfortunately, his pattern is to get back, and against that class of horse, he needs to be scintillating to be reeling them off and winning.”

Turnbull added that the stable expected further improvement as the gelding settled into the Queensland campaign.

“His runs have been good and improving and he will continue to improve, especially poking up to Queensland at this time of year.”

Maher will saddle three runners in the race. Another Wil has drawn barrier 19 with Ryan Maloney booked, while Warnie will jump from gate nine under Mark Zahra.

Purton’s Brisbane return also shapes as a major subplot to the meeting. The Hong Kong-based rider has nine mounts across the card, including promising three-year-old Grafterburners in the Doomben 10000 for trainer Kelly Schweida.

Grafterburners has won six of 13 starts, highlighted by victory in the AU$3 million Magic Millions Sunlight Plate at the Gold Coast in January under James McDonald, and has drawn barrier seven.

Purton’s remaining feature rides include Austmarr in the Listed Bright Shadow Quality, Sea King in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap and O’Sheamus in the Group 3 HKJC World Pool Rough Habit Plate.

Saturday’s Doomben 10000 is scheduled for 7.02am GMT, with Jimmysstar carrying both the weight of expectation and the confidence of a stable convinced the gelding is nearing another peak performance.