Ciaron Maher admits peaking a three-year-old for dual 2400m Derbies over one season presents difficulties, but the renowned long-distance specialist trainer is aware of its feasibility.
Observer seeks to accomplish the Victoria Derby – Australian Derby double as the Ghaiyyath colt enters the 2400m Group 1 second instalment at Randwick on Saturday.
Maher managed the double with Hitotsu in 2021-22, and Chris Waller prepped Riff Rocket accordingly in 2023-24.
In line with Hitotsu, Observer captured the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) victory at Flemington, but while Hitotsu advanced directly to the Derby after the Guineas, Observer took an extra 2000m start, running third in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas on March 21.
Maher’s trust in Observer remains unshaken, as the colt has steadily polished his racing demeanour, and Saturday’s extension to 2400m fits ideally.
James McDonald, Australia’s top jockey, rides Observer on Saturday, taking the reins from Craig Williams of the Rosehill ride.
“Back up to the trip, that’s what he’s bred for,” Maher said.
“He came through his run really well, and he’s ticking over pretty well.
“Craig probably just went a touch slow the other day. If he had his time again, I would say he probably would have gone a bit quicker.
“But he rallied well, and he was good through the line, so I wouldn’t read too much into that last run.
“I suppose getting out to that trip twice is a bit of a feat (for a three-year-old), but we’ve done it before.”
Maher’s Australian Derby success with Explosive Jack preceded Hitotsu by a year, and that runner went on to win the South Australian Derby at Morphettville before placing third in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.
Observer dons the number one cloth and starts from gate 12 in a field of 13 on Saturday.
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