The Doomben 10,000 has always carried more than just Group 1 status. It is one of Queensland racing’s great sprinting prizes, a race that has stood the test of time and built an honour roll filled with genuine stars of the Australian turf.
This Saturday’s edition at Doomben again brings together a strong mix of proven Group 1 performers, rising talent and horses looking to re-establish themselves at the top level. With $1.5 million in prizemoney and weight-for-age conditions over 1200 metres, it shapes as one of the key races of the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
The history of the Doomben 10,000 gives the race its weight. Dual winners such as Black Onyx in 1969 and 1970, Prince Trialia in 1990 and 1991, Chief De Beers in 1995 and 1998, Falvelon in 2001 and 2002, and Apache Cat in 2008 and 2009 all helped shape the race’s reputation. Add in other famous winners including Bernborough, Manikato and Takeover Target, and it is clear this is a race that has often rewarded toughness and talent.
This year, Jimmysstar arrives as the early favourite and the horse most rivals will be trying to bring undone. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has already shown he belongs at the highest level, and while his recent runs have not delivered another win, they have still been full of merit. He was not beaten far in the William Reid Stakes, was again competitive in the T J Smith Stakes, and then produced a strong closing effort when third in the All Aged Stakes.
The question for Jimmysstar is whether the drop back to 1200 metres around Doomben is ideal. He has the class to overcome it, but from barrier 11, Ethan Brown will need to give him a well-timed ride. Brown jets back from Hong Kong to continue his association with the horse, and that is significant. He knows when to let Jimmysstar build into his races, and in a Group 1 sprint where small margins can decide the result, that understanding could be important.
Brown will not be the only Hong Kong-based rider adding interest to the race. Zac Purton also returns to Australia to partner Grafterburners, who sits prominently in the market and brings a strong local profile into the contest.
Grafterburners is one of the most interesting runners in the field. He is still a three-year-old, but his record already demands respect. He has won six of his 13 starts, has proven himself at Doomben, and has already shown he can measure up against quality opposition. His third in the Arrowfield Sprint behind Tempted and Devil Night was a strong enough lead-in to suggest he is ready for another crack at elite company.
With barrier seven, 57kg and Purton booked, Grafterburners looks to get his chance. He has the tactical speed to be in the right part of the race, and unlike some of the older horses, he still has the upside of a sprinter on the way through. If he handles the pressure of a Group 1 weight-for-age race, he can be right in the finish.
Private Eye brings a very different profile. He is the seasoned campaigner, the horse who has already banked more than $12 million and continues to race with great honesty. His third in the Hall Mark Stakes showed he still has the desire and ability to compete at this level. From barrier three, Nash Rawiller should be able to have him travelling in a perfect spot.
There is no mystery with Private Eye. He is tough, experienced and versatile. He has been effective from sprint trips through to a mile, and if this race becomes a genuine test late, he is one runner you can trust to keep fighting. He may not have the same hype as some of the younger sprinters, but he has the race sense and class to make his presence felt.
Another Wil adds a different layer to the race. On talent alone, he is good enough to be competitive, and his Group 1 C F Orr Stakes win showed what he can do when he gets into the right rhythm. The concern is the setup. He is drawn wide in barrier 19 and comes back sharply in distance to 1200 metres, a trip that is short of his best-known form.
That does not mean he can be dismissed. He has class, and if the tempo is strong, he could be one of the horses finishing late. The first-time tongue tie is also worth noting, suggesting the stable is looking for an extra edge. But from the outside draw, Ryan Maloney will need luck and a clear plan.
Private Harry is perhaps the most intriguing runner in the race because of what he once looked capable of becoming. Earlier in his career, he had the profile of a genuine sprinting star on the rise. His win in the Sunlight was impressive, and his Group 1 Galaxy victory confirmed him as one of the most exciting young sprinters in the country.
Since then, however, he has not quite gone on with it. His spring form was below the level expected of him, and his return in the Victory Stakes did not fully answer the questions around where he sits now. Barrier four gives Tommy Berry the chance to ride him positively, and if Private Harry can find his best again, he is certainly good enough to be dangerous. But this race feels important for his reputation. He needs to show he is still the horse many thought he could become.
The supporting cast gives the race further depth. Devil Night has been racing well and comes through the Arrowfield Sprint formline. Warnie was solid in the Victory Stakes and has Mark Zahra in the saddle. Payline has been around the mark and continues to run honest races. Zarastro has speed and trial form that suggests he can be competitive, while Spicy Martini draws well and brings winning form into the race.
The tactical picture could decide the result. Grafterburners, Zarastro, Spicy Martini, Devil Night and Private Harry all have the ability to be forward or handy, which should ensure the race is run at a genuine speed. That would suit horses like Jimmysstar and Another Wil if they can find clear running, while Private Eye looks the one most likely to get a soft run just behind the pressure.
Jimmysstar deserves his place at the top of the market because he brings the strongest recent Group 1 profile. Grafterburners is the emerging local threat with the right jockey and draw. Private Eye is the reliable veteran who maps beautifully. Another Wil has the class but must overcome several obstacles. Private Harry is the wildcard, a horse with the talent to win but now needing to rediscover the spark that once made him look like one of Australia’s next leading sprinters.
For a race with the history of the Doomben 10,000, this year’s edition feels fitting. It has proven Group 1 horses, emerging talent, international jockey storylines and several runners with something to prove. That combination should make Saturday’s feature one of the most important sprint races of the Brisbane carnival.
By Scott Bailey
