Vase romp for 2025 Victoria Derby favourite Observer

Godolphin’s exciting colt Observer tightened his grip on Victoria Derby favouritism after an emphatic display in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) on Saturday.

Sent out the $3.50 favourite for the Flemington Classic prior to the race, the son of Ghaiyyath justified the hype with an arrogant victory under Mark Zahra, prompting bookmakers to slash his Derby odds to near even money.

Zahra took luck out of the equation by rolling to the front early, and by the 150m mark, Observer had the race sewn up. Eased down near the post, he still cruised in by half a length from Providence ($7), with O’Sheamus ($10) close behind in third.

Trainer Ciaron Maher said the performance confirmed the stable’s plan to target the Derby rather than the Cox Plate.

“It was a bit of a line ball, (but) he’s a raw colt and he’s learning with each start. It is the right call today,” Maher said.

“The Derby was always the plan but he can be quite free so we brought him here today, and the back-up going to the 2500 was the best option for him.

“He put the writing on the wall last time he ran in the Guineas. You’d think he’d only get better, given his breeding as he stretches out.”

The result added to a red-letter day for Godolphin, who also claimed the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick with Attica.

Zahra was full of praise for Observer’s potential following the easy victory.

“He was having a good look around and quickened up for 400 and the race was over,” Zahra said.

“I was getting a bit up him in the end but thinking about next week I thought ‘that’ll do, you’d better ease up’.

“So onwards and upwards towards next week.”

Although fined $1500 for easing up near the line, Zahra said the colt felt every bit a Derby winner in waiting.

For punters eyeing the Victoria Derby, the best odds and offers can be found via Australia’s top betting sites like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, and TAB.