Promising sprinter Doctor David will race without blinkers on Saturday in a move his connections hope will eventually help him rise to the top echelon.

Doctor David won three races and was placed another three times during an eight-start campaign during the summer and autumn.

The Meagher family training partnership decided to miss the winter carnival with Doctor David who has first start since March when he tackles the Hardy Brothers Jewellers Handicap (1010m) at Doomben.

"I would be disappointed if he didn't run well on Saturday," co-trainer Dan Meagher said.

"When he was first up last time he missed the start four lengths and flew home."

"We have an opinion of him but the problem has been he has wanted to over-race on occasions."

Meagher, who trains alongside his father John and brother Chris, said the stable hoped Doctor David would eventually run out a strong 1400m or 1600m.

"If we can get him to settle we think there will be a good quality race in him," he said.