Ciaron Maher declares ‘sky’s the limit’ as Observer powers to Victoria Derby victory at Flemington

Some colt this.

Where to next year? Is he a Cox Plate horse or Melbourne Cup? Maybe both.

The triumphant Victoria Derby winner is in the right hands with Ciaron Maher.

“I think the sky’s the limit for this colt,” Maher said.

“He’s just so adaptable. He was unlucky in a Guineas, he’s won a Vase and now he’s won a Derby and he’s pretty similar to his old man (Ghaiyyath).

“Mark (Zahra) is a great mate, he’s riding on a real crest of a wave and nothing better than to win the Derby on Derby Day. It’s what it’s all about.”

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Maher won the 2021 Victoria Derby previously with Hitotsu, a freak-in-the-making before an untimely injury forced an earlier-than-desired stud career.

Observer, the second-youngest horse in the Victoria Derby field, he technically turns three on Wednesday, enjoyed a Mark Zahra riding masterclass.

“There’s no-one riding any better,” Maher said.

“It’s just fantastic for Godolphin and to be able to train a colt like that, he’s got so much ahead of him and so much furnishing to do.

“I said to Mark, there was no point trying to fight him, let’s just go with him. I thought he was that better than them and I said you might as well ride him that way.

“To Mark’s credit, he had the revs up early and I was a bit worried, but he got some nice sectionals midrace and that’s fantastic.”

Zahra completed a running quartet with victory, including the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Zahra led the Victoria Derby and dictated as he pleased with steady early fractions.

He made it almost impossible for backmarkers to contend.

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Observer, under a throttle hold in the straight, had the Victoria Derby won a long way from home and when challenged by Arcora kicked again.

“What a day. It’s great riding for the best trainers,” Zahra said.

“They do their job, I do my job and what a great day.

“I ummed and ahhed whether to lead, but speaking to Ciaron he gave me great confidence. I heard him say he’ll run it, so if you want to lead, just do it.

“He never switches right off, he’s always on the bridle.. when they got to him, he found again. It was a very good victory.

“It cost me $1500 (last week), but I saved those few lengths for today.”

Observer could’ve won the MV Vase by 10 lengths but Zahra throttled down in the straight and held a half-length margin to the post at The Valley.

Deal Done Fast and One Step Closer rounded out the top four.

Unplaced Providence and Autumn Mystery, second and third favourites, tried hard from back in the field but efforts were ultimately in vain.

Originally published as Ciaron Maher declares ‘sky’s the limit’ as Observer powers to Victoria Derby victory at Flemington