Observer delivered a headline moment on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, scoring an authoritative victory in the $2 million Victoria Derby for Godolphin, trainer Ciaron Maher and jockey Mark Zahra.
The Ghaiyyath colt’s success completed a remarkable three-year-old Group 1 double for the Godolphin blue, coming shortly after Tentyris claimed the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
For Zahra, it was part of a whirlwind day, having also guided Getta Good Feeling to victory in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes and Warnie in the Group 2 The Damien Oliver.
Meanwhile, the Maher stable was firing across two states, capturing the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes with Jimmysstar at Randwick.
Later in the afternoon, Pride Of Jenni added another Group 1 win to the stable ledger in the Empire Rose Stakes.
For Maher, Observer’s rise through the spring was no surprise following his strong win in the previous week’s Moonee Valley Vase, which itself came after a luckless performance in the Caulfield Guineas.
“I think the sky’s the limit for this colt, he’s just so adaptable,” Maher said.
“He was unlucky in a Guineas, he’s won a Vase and now he’s won a Derby and he’s pretty similar to his old man.
“I’m rapt with our team. Mark (Zahra) is a great mate, he’s riding on a real crest of a wave and there’s nothing better than to win the Derby on Derby Day. It’s what it’s all about.”
Zahra used barrier four perfectly, controlling the race from the outset and dictating terms throughout.
The $2.45 favourite prevailed by three-quarters of a length over $61 outsider Arcora, with Deal Done Fast ($31) finishing third.
“I ummed and ahhed whether to lead, but speaking to Ciaron he gave me great confidence,” Zahra said.
“I heard him say, ‘he’ll run it, so if you want to lead, just do it’. He never switches right off, he’s always on the bridle, but he’s tough.
“He’s just like his old man and late, when they got to him, he found again.
“It’s great riding for the best trainers. They do their job, I do my job and what a great day.”
The Derby triumph marked Zahra’s first in the race and Maher’s second following Hitotsu in 2021.
