Observer one to keep a watch on

As James Cummings prepares to wrap up his tenure with Godolphin at the end of July, the emergence of Observer may shape their ongoing association. While Cummings is expected to continue working with some of the stable’s runners, Observer’s effortless maiden win at Sandown has made a strong case for continued ties.

The Ghaiyyath colt, starting as the betting sites $1.50 favourite, stormed home to win the Tile Importer Handicap (1400m) by five lengths. Fellow Godolphin runner Wentworth Falls ($3.10) was second, with Sky Deel ($17) finishing third.

Godolphin’s Melbourne foreman Nacim Dilmi confessed to feeling the pressure ahead of the race. “I don’t get nervous very often, but when they are $1.50 you hope they run like a $1.50 chance,” Dilmi said.

His nerves were soon eased, as Observer took control early and delivered a polished display. “On what he’s shown at home, that’s pretty much what he’s like,” Dilmi said. “We don’t have any partners that can keep up with him. He does things very easy.”

Dilmi also praised the colt’s breeding and demeanour. “It’s good for the stallion (Ghaiyyath, a multiple Group 1 winner in Europe) to have his second winner in about 10 days, so it’s very promising.”

“At home he’s like a five-year-old gelding,” Dilmi said. “He does things so easy. He’s very kind and it’s good to have a horse like that in the yard.”

Whether Observer gets a short spell or is prepped straight into a spring path is yet to be confirmed. “We’ll see how he pulls up before deciding what we do, but we’ll speak to the team whether we send him out for a few weeks and bring him back for the spring,” Dilmi said.

“I’ll let James, and the guys decide, but I would think 1400 metres would be a suitable distance for now, but I’m looking forward to what he’s got next, because that was certainly an easy watch.”

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