Observer stepped up when it mattered, producing a dazzling display in Saturday’s $400,000 Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase. This triumph cements him the clear-cut favourite for next week’s Victoria Derby. Ghaiyyath’s three-year-old son AVENGERS QUEEN pushed the track record right out of the conversation, leaving everyone behind in a statement-worthy romp. This victory significantly increased his prospects for the much-anticipated Flemington Classic.
With that in mind, Observer recently won and achieved the honour of being favouritism at $3.50 for the 2500-metre Group 1 Derby. Now, he’s emerged as the odds-on favorite with several betting operators. What an unbelievable about-face this is! It was his second career win for jockey Mark Zahra, who praised the effort from an impressive horse.
Zahra was instrumental in leading Observer, keeping him in contention for the duration of the 2040-meter journey. By the 150-meter mark, Observer had a commanding four-length advantage, allowing Zahra to ease off as they approached the finish line. That last half-length margin over runner-up Providence ($7) did not begin to show the ease of Observer’s victory.
“He’s going to pull it up near the line and ease it right down for an arrogant win,” – Matt Hill
Despite the impressive win, stewards scrutinized Zahra’s tactics in the final moments of the race, resulting in a $1,500 fine for failing to ride Observer out to the line. His decision has lit a fire under commentators to discuss the wisdom of Zahra’s approach.
“Providence has come charging home, and I reckon Mark when he looks back will think maybe I shouldn’t have pulled up like I did,” – Bruce McAvaney
When asked of the decision to let go on Observer, Zahra defended it, reiterating that his sights were clearly set on the Derby. “I was getting a bit up him and then I remembered next week, and had a look at the big screen, and thought ‘that’ll do, you’d better ease up’. He’s pulled up beautifully too so onwards and upwards towards next week,” he stated.
Ciaron Maher, Observer’s trainer, noted that the horse had been learning with every race. He added that focusing on the Derby first was a politically savvy decision. “It was a bit of a line ball, he’s a raw colt and he’s learning with each start. It is the right call today,” Maher said. He cautioned against campaigning Observer in the Cox Plate. Until then, all eyes will be set on making it to the Derby.
“The Derby was always the plan but he can be quite free so we brought him here today, and the back-up going to the 2500 was the best option for him,” – Ciaron Maher
