A New Chapter for Observer in the Rosehill Guineas
Trainer Ciaron Maher is optimistic about the performance of his horse, Observer, in the upcoming Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on Saturday. The race promises to be a thrilling rematch against Autumn Boy, with both horses having shown impressive form in recent competitions.
Observer, a Ghaiyyath colt owned by Godolphin, has been making waves in Victoria with a four-race winning streak. This includes victories in the group 2 Vase (2040m), Autumn Stakes (1400m), group 1 VRC Derby (2500m), and Australian Guineas (1600m). His last defeat came in the group 1 Caulfield Guineas last October, where he finished third behind Autumn Boy.
Autumn Boy, trained by Chris Waller, has had limited racing this season, with placements in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and Randwick Guineas (1600m). Both horses are well-drawn for the Rosehill Guineas, with Observer at $2.60 TAB and Autumn Boy at $2.10. The race is expected to be a close contest, with both horses showing strong potential.
Maher expressed confidence in Observer’s ability to improve over the 2000m distance. “He’s grown up a lot this prep, mentally and physically, and he’s in good form,” he said. “He’s drawn well, it’s probably ideal for him, and he should improve again up to the 2000.”
Despite his previous success, Observer faces challenges, including his first trip to Sydney and a change in direction. However, Maher is confident in his horse’s readiness. Craig Williams, who has previously ridden Observer, will be aboard for the race.
James McDonald will ride Autumn Boy, which could see him surpass Damien Oliver’s group 1 riding record. McDonald needs two more wins to pass Oliver’s mark of 129, and he will also ride the hot favourite Aeliana in an earlier group 1 race.
Maher noted that Observer’s development with Godolphin was smooth. “He spent time at Warwick Farm in his early days so it wasn’t a big change for him,” he said. “He’s gone back up in preparation for the race and he’s settled in well. He’s worked very well.”
Future Prospects and Other Runners
Observer is also a contender in several markets across the Sydney autumn carnival, including the ATC Derby. However, Maher indicated that the Derby may not be the immediate target. “There’s options,” he said. “The team are mindful that he will improve again and he’s probably a Cox Plate horse in the making.”
Other runners under Maher’s care include Spicy Miss, his only entry in the Golden Slipper. The filly, an $11 chance, has shown strong form in her recent races. “Her record is bloody good,” Maher said. “We put her away, she was Magic Millions qualified, but we just thought we’d target the Slipper, and so far, so good.”
Gringotts, another group 1 runner, will attempt to defend his George Ryder Stakes title against unbeaten star Autumn Glow. Maher described Gringotts’ recent performance as “probably the best ninth you’ve ever seen” when he came from well back to finish one and three-quarters lengths behind.
“I think he’s going very, very well,” he said. “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.”
