He may have only won one race, but derby-winner Ethiopia is a horse most trainers would be more than happy to have in their stable.

The veteran stayer launches another spring campaign in the Bushnell Outdoor Products Handicap (1400m) at William Hill Park on Wednesday.

Ethiopia is best remembered for his fast-finishing win as a maiden in the 2012 ATC Derby but has also run fourth in a Cox Plate and seventh in a Melbourne Cup to amass close to $1.3million in an 18-start career.

After campaigning briefly in Western Australia last year, Ethiopia is again in the Mornington stable of Pat Carey and will be having his first hitout since The Bart Cummings at Flemington last October.

Carey is keeping his options open for Ethiopia this spring and has nominated him for the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and The Metropolitan.

Apprentice Patrick Moloney takes the ride on Wednesday, his 1.5kg claim offsetting Ethiopia’s 64kg impost.

The race sees several spring prospects stepping up out including German imports Araldo Junior for Mike Moroney and Takenja for Mick Price, both having their first Australian starts, along with British bred Velox for David Hayes and Tom Dabernig.

Robbie Laing also has his promising stayer Don Doremo lining up for his first start since the Sydney Cup.