Observer impresses in first-up Caulfield win in Autumn Stakes

Observer, last spring’s Victoria Derby hero, launched his new campaign in style at Caulfield, kicking off with a strong victory in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m).

First-up since November’s Derby triumph, the Ciaron Maher-trained colt produced a polished performance under Ethan Brown, holding his position on speed before asserting late. Sent out a $4 equal favourite, he kept Planet Red ($4.40) at bay by 1¾ lengths, with Victorius Spirit ($51) another three-quarters of a length away in third.

Connections will now aim Observer at the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on February 28 as his early grand final.

National assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the colt had taken noticeable steps forward from spring to autumn. “We’ve taken the norton bit off and decided to go with the lugging bit today,” Turnbull said. “To begin like he did and then for Ethan just to go with him and be in that position and travel so kind, it was good to see from our end.

“Then to respond and quicken, first-up off a Derby prep and so lightly raced, it was exciting.

“He’ll be second-up in the Australian Guineas in three weeks which is his early grand final and if we were to be successful then we could go a few different options.”

Turnbull added that Ciaron Maher Racing, together with owners Godolphin, will map out subsequent targets once the Guineas is run.

Brown, who rode Observer to a resolute third in last spring’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas before Mark Zahra partnered him to wins in the Moonee Valley Vase and Victoria Derby, praised the stable’s fine-tuning for the 1400m return. “He can be a bit dour, but his last gallop was super,” Brown said. “Ciaron has switched him on at the right time and in the mounting yard he perked up, and he knew where he was.

“The beauty of it is that he was fresh enough to hold a spot over 1400 (metres) so going up in trip he’ll dour out, but now that he can hold a spot makes it easier for connections, horse and jockey. Punters should view the betting markets for the race with Observer heading to the Australian Guineas.”