Ciaron Maher says it is hard to peak a three-year-old for two 2400m Derbies in the one season, but the master conditioner of stayers knows it can be done.
Observer will attempt to take the Victoria Derby – Australian Derby double with Observer when the son of Ghaiyyath lines-up in the 2400m Group 1 second leg at Randwick on Saturday.
Maher completed the double with Hitotsu in the 2021-22 season while Chris Waller prepared Riff Rocket for the double in 2023-24.
Like Hitotsu, Observer won the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington, and while Hitotsu went straight to the Derby following that Guineas success, Observer has had a run at 2000m finishing third in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas on March 21.
Maher has not lost any faith in Observer who has continued to improve his manners with racing and the rise to 2400m on Saturday is ideal for the colt.
Australia’s leading jockey James Mcdonald takes over in the saddle on Saturday replacing Craig Williams who rode the colt at Rosehill.
“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 also won the Australian Derby with Explosive Jack, a year before being successful with Hitotsu, and that galloper would go on the claim the South Australian Derby at Morphettville before running third in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.
Observer will wear the number one saddlecloth on Saturday and will jump from barrier 12 in the 13-horse field.
