Lionel Cohen isn't sure if the Starlight Stakes is the right race for Aeronautical.

But the Rosehill trainer is certain he has got the best jockey to try to help restore the 2014 fortunes of a sprinter who can be brilliant one day and a source of disappointment the next.

Aeronautical's rider will be Hugh Bowman, a jockey who is reinvigorated and in form after a Hong Kong stint and two Group One wins during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Of more importance to Cohen at Rosehill on Saturday is Bowman's unblemished record on Aeronautical.

Bowman rode Aeronautical for the first time 12 months ago and they won the Razor Sharp Handicap but he hasn't been on his back since.

In that time the sprinter's 2013-2014 season unravelled to the point he was banned from racing due to a bleeding attack.

Cohen is concerned Aeronautical's main Starlight rivals might be too sharp for him over 1100m but in Bowman he has a jockey he trusts to make the right calls.

"A lot of jockeys who ride the horse think he is only a backmarker," Cohen said.

"But he's more than that. As Hugh showed in the Razor Sharp last year you can ride him closer and he will still act for you.

"He might want a bit further than Saturday's distance but I'm happy with where he's at because I've brought him along a lot more slowly after he bled."

Aeronautical is closing in on $500,000 in stakes during a career so far defined by a near-miss in last year's $1 million Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

"There have been a few close calls along the way, a few frustrating races," Cohen said.

In spite of its off-season status, The Starlight has prominent spring form lines as Lilliburlero, Straight Gold and Cradle Me return to Sydney after Melbourne Cup carnival runs.

But the horse to beat will Our Boy Malachi, the ex-Queensland sprinter trying to keep an unbeaten record for Hawkes Racing after a first-up win over Saturday's course.

Bart and James Cummings have Shamalia returning from Melbourne as a last-start Moonee Valley winner with 60kg.

She adds depth to Brisbane jockey Tim Bell's Rosehill book of rides, led by Sir Moments in the Festival Stakes.

"Shamalia is a class act and is a good ride," Bell said. "I can go to the meeting with confidence."