Observer Ready to Settle the Score in Rosehill Guineas Rematch
Trainer Ciaron Maher is confident his promising three-year-old, Observer, is primed to turn the tables on Autumn Boy in a highly anticipated rematch for the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) this Saturday. The Ghaiyyath colt, a highly-rated prospect from the Godolphin stable, makes his Sydney debut carrying significant star power into the prestigious three-year-old feature. Observer arrives in the Harbour City boasting an impressive four-race winning streak in Victoria, a run that includes victories in the Group 2 Vase (2040m), the Autumn Stakes (1400m), and the coveted Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) and Australian Guineas (1600m).
The sole blemish on Observer’s otherwise stellar record came in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas last October. In that race, he was frustratingly held up on the rails, unable to find clear running as Autumn Boy surged down the outside to claim victory. Since that encounter, Autumn Boy, trained by Chris Waller, has raced sparingly, with placings in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and the Randwick Guineas (1600m) this preparation.
The stage is set for a thrilling duel, with Observer currently installed as the $2.60 TAB favourite and Autumn Boy at $2.10. Both colts have drawn favourably, securing barriers two and three respectively in a compact field of nine runners.
Observer’s last start saw him demonstrate a powerful finish to clinch the Australian Guineas (1600m) by a half-length on February 28th. Maher firmly believes his charge will relish the step up to the 2000-metre distance of the Rosehill Guineas.
“He’s grown up a lot this prep, mentally and physically, and he’s in good form,” Maher commented. “He’s drawn well, it’s probably ideal for him, and he should improve again up to the 2000.
“He’s unlucky not to be a dual guineas 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.
“Naturally, he’s matured, and 2000m 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.
“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.”
A potential question mark for Observer is his maiden trip away from his familiar Victorian surroundings and the change in racing direction. However, Maher expressed strong confidence in the colt’s ability to adapt. Renowned jockey Craig Williams, who has partnered Observer previously, will be in the saddle.
Meanwhile, James McDonald is set to ride Autumn Boy. This mount could see McDonald surpass Damien Oliver’s esteemed Group 1 riding record of 129 wins, as he requires just two more victories to achieve this milestone. McDonald also has a strong chance in an earlier Group 1 race, piloting the heavily favoured Aeliana.
Maher elaborated on Observer’s transition, noting his previous time with Godolphin at Warwick Farm provided him with some familiarity with the Sydney environment. “He would have spent time at Warwick Farm in his early days so it wasn’t a big change for him,” Maher explained. “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 currently a leading contender in several Sydney autumn carnival feature races, including the ATC Derby, where he is the favourite. However, Maher hinted that the Derby might not be the ultimate target.
“There’s options,” he stated. “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.”
Spicy Miss Eyes Golden Slipper Glory
Beyond the Rosehill Guineas, Maher also expressed considerable enthusiasm for the prospects of Spicy Miss, his sole contender in the highly competitive Golden Slipper. The filly, currently rated an $11 chance, is anticipated to jump from barrier three. She enters the race following a decisive victory in the Sweet Embrace Stakes. Her racing style is typically on-pace, and she has previously secured second-place finishes in both the Golden Gift and the Lonhro Plate.
“Her record is bloody good,” Maher asserted.
“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.”
Gringotts Ready to Defend George Ryder Title
Maher’s other Group 1 contender is Gringotts, a $23 outsider aiming to defend his George Ryder Stakes title against the undefeated sensation Autumn Glow, the dominant $1.30 favourite. Gringotts made a striking return to racing in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), a run Maher described as “probably the best ninth you’ve ever seen,” as the gelding charged from well back to finish just one and three-quarters of a length adrift.
“I think he’s going very, very well,” Maher enthused. “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.”
