Observer cemented his status as the horse to beat in next week’s Victoria Derby with a commanding performance in the $400,000 Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase on Saturday.
Starting a $3.50 favourite for the 2500m Classic prior to the race, the classy colt shortened into odds-on territory following his dominant victory under Mark Zahra in the 2040m Vase.
He had the race well in hand by the 150m mark, racing four lengths clear before Zahra eased him down late, with the official half-length margin over Providence not reflecting the ease of the win.
Trainer Ciaron Maher was thrilled with the performance and said he had no regrets about skipping the Cox Plate.
“It was a bit of a line ball, (but) he’s a raw colt and he’s learning with each start. It is the right call today,” Maher said.
“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.
“He put the writing on the wall last time he ran in the Guineas. You’d think he’d only get better, given his breeding as he stretches out.”
Observer ($1.75F) defeated Providence ($7) with O’Sheamus ($10) another length away, giving Godolphin a feature race double following Attica’s Group 1 triumph in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.
Zahra, who controlled the race from the front, said the colt gave him an exceptional feel.
“He was having a good look around and quickened up for 400 and the race was over,” Zahra said.
“I was getting a bit up him in the end but thinking about next week I thought ‘that’ll do, you’d better ease up’.
“So onwards and upwards towards next week.”
Stewards fined Zahra $1500 for easing up late, but the result only strengthened Observer’s grip on Derby favouritism.
Punters looking to back Observer in the Victoria Derby can secure the best odds at trusted Australian betting sites including Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, and TAB.