Bridget Grylls hopes the confidence shown her by trainer Robert Heathcote can help reignite her senior riding career on veteran Jopa.

Grylls has retained the ride on topweight Jopa in the Open Hcp (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday with Heathcote opting against a claiming apprentice.

Jopa is one of Grylls' favourite horses and with good cause as she has ridden him eight times for four wins and two minor placings.

Gyrlls rode about 300 winners in New Zealand and Brisbane before she came out of her apprenticeship in December.

In recent months, injury and suspensions have stalled her career and she is looking forward to riding Jopa.

"The old boy has been good to me and I am glad Mr Heathcote has given me the ride even though I can't claim any more."

"Jopa loves Doomben and he loves 1350 metres. Nine of his wins have been at Doomben and seven of those have been at 1350," Grylls said.

Jopa is a noted heavy track horse but he has won eight races on good going.

Heathcote will a have a strong hand on Saturday including two-year-old Pinch Patton and Oberland who is aiming for a hat-trick in a benchmark 85 (1200m).

Heathcote had Oberland sold to Hong Kong but the gelding failed the veterinary test and has since won two races.