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How to tune into Sport NationMaher reveals Observer's ideal next Grand Final
Connor Scanlon • November 2nd, 2025 8:07 pm
Trainer Ciaron Maher has revealed where and when he would like the Victoria Derby winner Observer to have his next Grand Final race.
And which race would that ideally be?
The Group 1 Australian Guineas across 1600m at Flemington, which is set to take place on the 28th of February, 2026.
“He will just keep improving,” Maher exclaimed on RSN’s Correct Weight.
“He’s got a lot of furnishing to do - he was doing little bits wrong (in the Derby), so that probably took the shine off his finish a little bit.
“I think he’s got a bright future, and I can’t wait to see him in the autumn.
“I think the Australian Guineas at Flemington would be ideal. He’s probably unlucky not to be a (Caulfield) Guineas winner already.”
When speaking about Observer's Derby win, Maher admitted that he was actually concerned throughout the first 1600m that his horse would lose the race.
“The first mile I was a little bit worried - he was overdoing it - but Mark (Zahra) was able to back him off," Maher said.
“He got a couple of nice sectionals and when I saw that I was quite confident that he was able to put them away and that’s exactly what he did.”
Reflecting on what makes the Derby winner special, the trainer exclaimed that the colt “ticks a lot of boxes".
“He’s definitely got the class, and he’s only going to get bigger and stronger,” Maher stated.
“He’s got a beautiful set of lungs – you never really see him blow or get distressed at any time.
“He’s a real professional, he’s competitive, and he’s an intelligent horse.
“He can do it from the front, and you’ve seen in the Guineas, he can sprint, he’s got a turn of foot.
“He ticks a lot of boxes.”
