Racing
Observer out for Guineas redemption
Derby winner gets another shot at a 1600m Group 1
Observer already has a Group 1 win to his name, but there will be a touch of unfinished business about his return to the top level this Saturday at Flemington.
The Ciaron Maher-trained colt is out to add the $1 million Australian Guineas to the Victoria Derby title he won at that track last spring.
The son of Ghaiyyath proved his ability to run 2500 metres, against his own age at least, in the Derby but earlier emerged from the 1600m Caulfield Guineas with a hard-luck tale and Maher is eager to see him add a 1600m Group 1 to his CV.
"I think he showed there that he's good enough to win at that level over that trip," Maher said of his Caulfield Guineas run, when beaten 2-1/2 lengths by Autumn Boy.
"I hope he can do it for him and his future.
"You would think he'll only better at Flemington, just with the style he races and the set-up of the track.
"He was good first-up, but he'd be much better at the mile and beyond."
Observer has won his only three starts since the Caulfield Guineas, the Derby preceded by an arrogant win in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m), while he kick-started this campaign with a strong on-pace win in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m).
That was a run Maher bypassed with the colt he completed the Victoria Derby-Australian Guineas double with in 2021, Hitotsu, and the top trainer said Observer's performance in that 1400m race on February 7 was a sign of his maturity.
"With Hitotsu, we were very confident to go in fresh at the mile, but with this horse, I wanted to give him a run," Maher said.
"He's a different style of horse, he's a bit more relaxed this time around. He went from the Norton (bit) back to the normal bridle last start, so he is maturing as he goes and is getting stronger."
Ethan Brown, who rode Observer in the Caulfield Guineas, replaced the injured Mark Zahra in the saddle in the Autumn Stakes and retains the Guineas ride.
Observer is $2.40 favourite for the Guineas with the Chris Waller-trained Sixties, winner of the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m), the $3 second elect.
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