Simon Zahra is under no illusions about the challenge ahead for Don’t Hope Do as the sprinter returns to stakes level at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The five-year-old will line up in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m), marking his first attempt in black type company since contesting the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last November.

That campaign also featured a third placing in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day, only his second start after a debut maiden win at Bendigo.

Zahra admits Saturday’s assignment is a steep jump from his recent Benchmark 74 victory, particularly given the gelding will start from the outside gate in a nine-horse field.

“He hasn’t drawn the best and probably needed to draw a bit more favourably to be really competitive, but he’s going well,” Zahra said.

“He wasn’t screwed down the other day and he had 59-½ kilos, and we thought he would improve off it with the run.

“I’ve always had a good opinion of him, but there’s not a lot of options around for him.”

The gelding’s career has been stop-start, restricted to just 10 outings due to injury and illness. Zahra recalled a growth removed from the back of his knee early in his career that required time to heal.

“They had to chip it off and then suck it out. It was like a shark tooth pinching into him,” Zahra said. “He’s mature now and there is a nice race in him somewhere over the spring, but it’s just finding the right race for him.”

Punters keen to back Don’t Hope Do in the Carlyon Stakes can find markets and promotions through leading betting sites.