The curtain rises on elite-level racing in the Sunshine State this Saturday, with Ciaron Maher’s high-class sprinter Jimmysstar heading north to spearhead the field for his first appearance at Doomben in the 2026 Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000.

Jimmysstar is favourite to take out the opening Group 1 of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival on Saturday. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

A capacity assembly of sprinters will chase the lion’s share of the Group 1 $1.5 million Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 (1200m).

While the early withdrawal of Lady Of Camelot has allowed Peter Snowden’s first emergency, the rails-drawn Snitzel colt Beadman ($9.50), to secure a run off the back of his Gold Coast Guineas win, the market remains firmly fixed on the top weight.

Jimmysstar currently commands the betting at $3.20 through race sponsor Ladbrokes.

Favourites have enjoyed a golden run in this sprint over the last two decades, with nine market leaders saluting since 2007, including Sunshine In Paris ($3.30) last year.

Jimmysstar is out to be the 10th Doomben 10,000 favourite since 2006 to salute and go back-to-back for the punters after the 2025 success of Sunshine In Paris!

The Per Incanto six-year-old is a newcomer to the Doomben circuit, but punters are backing his interstate credentials to carry him through.

A dual winner of the Russell Balding and CF Orr Stakes last November, the Kiwi-bred gelding was a standout at his most recent outing, finishing a courageous third—beaten less than a length—in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 18.

Kept fresh with a four-week gap between runs, he drops back to the six furlongs, a trip where he remains competitive.

Ethan Brown retains the ride on the $8.57 million earner, who will jump from barrier 10 and should relish the Soft-rated conditions as he hunts his first win of the calendar year.

The primary threat, according to the markets, is the Joe Pride-trained Private Eye ($5.50).

The veteran eight-year-old and former Epsom Handicap winner remains a formidable opponent at weight-for-age.

While he hasn’t tasted victory since October, his first-up third behind Mazu in the Hall Mark Stakes suggested he has plenty of fire left.

With Nash Rawiller in the saddle from barrier three, Private Eye is a proven wet-tracker who finished a narrow fourth in this very race in 2024.

With Brisbane experiencing significant rainfall this week, his odds are expected to continue firming.

Grafterburners is out to be the first three-year-old to win the Doomben 10,000 since Giga Kick (2023)!

In a deep field, Kelly Schweida’s Grafterburners ($6) represents the best of the local hopes.

The Graff colt is looking to emulate Giga Kick (2023) by becoming the first three-year-old in three years to defeat the elders.

A 1200m specialist, he caught the eye with a third-place finish in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint behind Tempted and has since been tuned up with a Doomben trial.

With Zac Purton booked to ride, he looks a genuine each-way chance.

Other runners attracting interest include Tom Charlton’s second emergency Napoleonic ($7), who has James McDonald waiting in the wings should a scratching occur, and the Team Hawkes-trained Devil Night ($9).

The latter brings elite form to the table, including a shock second to Jigsaw in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The 2026 Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 is scheduled as Doomben Race 8 at 4:02 pm (AEST).

2026 Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 Field & Barriers

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