A Thrilling Rematch in the Rosehill Guineas
Trainer Ciaron Maher is confident that Observer will make a strong statement when he faces Autumn Boy in a highly anticipated rematch at the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on Saturday. This race promises to be one of the highlights of the Australian racing calendar, with both horses having shown impressive form in recent months.
Godolphin’s star Ghaiyyath colt, Observer, has been on a remarkable winning streak in Victoria, securing victories in the Group 2 Vase (2040m), Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m), and the Australian Guineas (1600m). His last defeat came in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas in October, where he finished third behind Autumn Boy, who surged down the outside to claim victory.
Since then, Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy has competed just twice, finishing in the top three in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and Randwick Guineas (1600m). Both horses have drawn well for the Rosehill Guineas, with Observer starting from gate two and Autumn Boy from gate three. The odds reflect their strong positions, with Observer priced at $2.60 and Autumn Boy at $2.10.
Observer’s most recent win was in the Australian Guineas on February 28, where he narrowly defeated his rivals by half a length. Maher believes the colt can improve further over the 2000m distance.
A Growing Star
“He’s grown up a lot this prep, mentally and physically, and he’s in good form,” Maher said. “He’s drawn well, it’s probably ideal for him, and he should improve again up to the 2000. He’s unlucky not to be a dual guineas winner, to be fair. He probably should have won the Caulfield Guineas. He was just held up on the fence and didn’t get his opportunity. But that’s racing.”
Maher added that Observer has matured naturally, and the 2000m distance could be his best. He also praised Autumn Boy’s progress, noting that he is on the right trajectory and has drawn well.
“It’s a small enough field and hopefully, he can add another one to his record. It’s already been a good three-year-old campaign.”
Challenges and Confidence
The question mark for Observer is his first trip away from home and the change in direction. However, Maher is confident that the colt is on track. Craig Williams, who has previously ridden the colt, 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 break the record of 129, and he is set to ride the hot favourite Aeliana in an earlier group 1 race.
“[Observer] would have spent time at Warwick Farm in his early days so it wasn’t a big change for him,” Maher said. “He’s gone back up in preparation for the race [two weeks ago] and he’s settled in well. He’s worked very well. He’s swapped legs when he did a piece of work, and the feedback was quite good.”
Future Prospects
Observer is also in several markets across the Sydney autumn carnival, including the ATC Derby, where he is the favourite. However, Maher indicated that this may not be his main 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. One step at a time. Hopefully, he can win again on Saturday, and then he’s got options, but I would imagine going to the Derby in the spring, he probably wouldn’t need to go to two.”
Other Notable Runners
Maher is also excited about the prospects of Spicy Miss, his only runner in the Golden Slipper. The filly, an $11 chance, is likely to start from gate three and is a last-start winner of the Sweet Embrace Stakes. She has also placed second in the Golden Gift and Lonhro Plate.
“She’s got the good draw, and a little bit of timing about her,” Maher said. “Her record is bloody good. We kicked her off in the Gift and thought plenty of her. It’s a good prizemoney race and it sets your two-year-old year up, and that’s what happened.”
Another group 1 runner for Maher is Gringotts ($23), who will attempt to defend his George Ryder Stakes title against unbeaten star Autumn Glow ($1.30). Gringotts resumed in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) with what Maher described as “probably the best ninth you’ve ever seen” when coming from well back to finish one and three-quarters lengths behind the leader.
“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.”
