The Group 1 trophy cabinet continues to grow for the gifted Ciaron Maher-trained Observer, who outclassed his three-year-old rivals to secure a commanding win in the 2026 Australian Guineas at Flemington on Saturday.

2026 Australian Guineas winner Observer was too strong for his rivals saluting as the odds-on favourite at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Last spring’s VRC Derby hero made it four wins on the bounce, remaining undefeated this preparation after returning with a victory in the Autumn Stakes.

By relishing the step up from 1400m to the mile, the progressive son of Ghaiyyath justified his status as the odds-on favourite, fending off Planet Red by a half-length, while Sixties filled the trifecta in third.

The result sees Observer etch his name alongside legends like King’s High, Mahogany, and Hitotsu as one of the rare three-year-olds to complete the prestigious VRC Derby / Australian Guineas double.

“He’s a special horse and he’s got a special rider and it’s special we got the job done today,” stable representative Jack Turnbull told Racing.com.

“He’s probably the closest thing we’ve likened to Hitotsu in terms of his racing style.

“He’s probably not as dynamic, but his ability to be winning a Derby and coming back to be a Group 1 mile Guineas winner at his next preparation is hard to do.

“You never often see it. It’s a credit to the horse, and to Godolphin as an organisation.”

Jockey Ethan Brown, who famously survived a life-threatening fall in this very race three years ago, produced a masterful ride.

He kept the top elect prominent, settling in second behind the leader, Romantic Encounter, as the field navigated the turn.

The gaps appeared perfectly for the heavily backed Observer ($1.85F), who slipped up the rail at the top of the straight before surging to the front at the 200m mark and holding his challengers at bay.

“Initially I was happy to have cover and travel up ever so sweetly behind which was nice to see,” Turnbull said of the race unfolding.

“You hold your breath for a stride or two as they straighten and that bell rings, but for a horse to go up inside and travel up so effortlessly because you know he has the stamina, he’s a classy animal and it was a good watch.”

For Brown, deputising for the sidelined Mark Zahra, the win served as both redemption and a chance to pilot a rising star of the staying ranks.

“Unreal. I was just say thank you to the owners, Andy (Makiv) and the Godolphin team,” Brown said.

“Ciaron Maher for his support and the horse. He has hum humming. He found again today second-up at a mile and I’m pinching myself.

“Down to the fence wasn’t ideal for him especially as short as he was. I’m sure the punters were thinking ‘what’s going on here’.”

Brown explained the tactical decision.

“The main thing with him is getting him to relax and settle,” he said.

“That meant having to go down to the fence and riding a cool, patient race on him.

“From there on in, the track is fair, we stuck to the fence and he did the rest.

“He’s a superstar. Mark (Zahra) has done a lot of work on this horse, and it is unfortunate that he is out injured but he will be back bigger and better than ever.

“He’s a beauty, this horse.”

The victory has opened a world of possibilities for the colt.

Turnbull noted that the team is weighing up several elite targets, including a clash with the older horses in the Australian Cup (2000m) on March 28, a trip to Sydney for the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 21, or a lightweight tilt at the Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 4.

“It’s the million-dollar question (where to next),” Turnbull added.

“You’ve got the Australian Cup, Rosehill Guineas, Doncaster, if you waited a little bit longer.

“Winning this race really allows us to pivot and target races against the older horses if Godolphin desires.

“We’re in a lovely position and we can savour the moment and really enjoy the win.”

Following the performance, Observer’s price in Australian Cup futures betting at Ladbrokes has been slashed from $11 to $6, as he aims to become the first three-year-old to win that feature since Super Cool in 2013.

2026 Australian Guineas Results & Finishing Order

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