Observer Primed for Rosehill Guineas Rematch with Autumn Boy
Trainer Ciaron Maher is confident that Observer is ready to settle the score when he faces off against Autumn Boy in a highly anticipated rematch for the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) this Saturday. The highly-rated colt, a son of Godolphin’s star Ghaiyyath, makes his Sydney debut carrying significant star power into the prestigious three-year-old feature. Observer boasts an impressive four-race winning streak in Victoria leading into this event, a run that includes victories in the Group 2 Vase (2040m) and Autumn Stakes (1400m), as well as the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) and Australian Guineas (1600m).
The colt’s only blemish on his otherwise stellar record was a third-place finish in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas last October. On that occasion, Observer found himself held up behind other runners, unable to gain a clear run, as Autumn Boy swept around the outside to claim victory.
Autumn Boy, trained by Chris Waller, has raced only twice since that encounter, securing placings in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and the Randwick Guineas (1600m) in his current preparation.
The Rosehill Guineas shapes up as a thrilling match race, with Observer (rated at $2.60 with TAB) drawing barrier two in a field of nine, while Autumn Boy ($2.10) will jump from barrier three.
Observer demonstrated his class with a strong finish to win the Australian Guineas (1600m) by a half-length on February 28. Maher is adamant that the step up in distance to 2000 metres will be beneficial for his charge.
Maher’s Confidence in Observer’s Improvement
“He’s grown up a lot this preparation, both mentally and physically, and he’s in good form,” Maher commented. “He’s drawn well, which is probably ideal for him, and he should improve again stepping up to the 2000 metres.”
Maher feels Observer was somewhat unlucky not to be a dual Group 1 winner. “To be fair, he probably should have won the Caulfield Guineas. He was just held up on the fence and didn’t get his opportunity. But that’s racing,” he stated.
“Naturally, he’s matured, and 2000 metres you would say is probably nearly his best distance. You always need a bit of luck. Autumn Boy looks to be on the right trajectory as well, and has drawn well,” Maher added. “It’s a small enough field and hopefully, he can add another one to his record. It’s already been a good three-year-old campaign.”
The primary question mark for Observer is his first trip away from Victoria to race, and the change in track direction. However, Maher expressed confidence that the colt is well-prepared. Craig Williams, who has previously ridden Observer, will be in the saddle.
Meanwhile, James McDonald is set to pilot Autumn Boy. A win aboard Autumn Boy could see McDonald surpass Damien Oliver’s Group 1 riding record of 129 victories. McDonald has a busy day ahead, also riding the favoured Aeliana in an earlier Group 1 race.
Maher also addressed Observer’s acclimatisation to his stable. “He would have spent time at Warwick Farm in his early days so it wasn’t a big change for him,” Maher said, referring to Observer’s development with Godolphin before joining his stable. “He’s gone back up in preparation for the race [two weeks ago] and he’s settled in well. He’s worked very well. He’s swapped legs when he did a piece of work, and the feedback was quite good.”
Observer is a prominent contender in several Sydney autumn carnival races, including the ATC Derby, where he is currently the favourite. However, Maher indicated that the Derby might not be the ultimate target for the colt.
“There’s options,” Maher explained. “The team are mindful that he will improve again and he’s probably a Cox Plate horse in the making. One step at a time. Hopefully, he can win again Saturday, and then he’s got options, but I would imagine going to the Derby in the spring, he probably wouldn’t need to go to two.”
Other Maher Runners Poised for Success
Beyond the Rosehill Guineas, Maher also holds high hopes for Spicy Miss, his sole runner in the prestigious Golden Slipper. The filly, currently priced at $11, is expected to jump from barrier three and comes into the race following a last-start victory in the Sweet Embrace Stakes. Spicy Miss has shown early speed, having previously finished second in both the Golden Gift and the Lonhro Plate.
“Her record is bloody good,” Maher stated enthusiastically. “We kicked her off in the Gift and thought plenty of her. It’s a good prizemoney race and it sets your two-year-old year up, and that’s what happened. We put her away, she was Magic Millions qualified, but we just thought we’d target the Slipper, and so far, so good. She had a bit of condition on first-up and probably just peaked a fraction. She improved and was very good the other day. She’s got the good draw, and a little bit of timing about her.”
Maher’s other Group 1 contender is Gringotts ($23), who will aim to defend his George Ryder Stakes title against the undefeated star Autumn Glow ($1.30). Gringotts resumed his campaign in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), a run Maher described as “probably the best ninth you’ve ever seen,” as the horse charged from well back to finish just one and three-quarters of a length behind the winner.
“I think he’s going very, very well,” Maher said. “Autumn Glow has obviously been super, but last year I think we were the only non-Group 1 winner in the race and we beat a pretty crack field. He blew up the clock the last 400 the other day.”
