Trainer Ciaron Maher concedes it’s demanding to have a three-year-old at peak for two 2400m Derbies in one year, but the stayer maestro is certain it’s doable.

The colt by Ghaiyyath named Observer will pursue the Victoria Derby – Australian Derby double in the 2400m Group 1 event at Randwick this coming Saturday.

Back in 2021-22, Maher succeeded with Hitotsu on the double, just as Chris Waller did with Riff Rocket in 2023-24.

Observer followed Hitotsu’s path by winning the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington; Hitotsu then went right to the Derby, but Observer had an intervening 2000m race, third in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas on March 21.

Confidence in Observer endures for Maher, with the colt maturing in his racing approach, and the 2400m rise on Saturday being perfect.

Saturday sees James McDonald, Australia’s leading hoop, aboard Observer, replacing Craig Williams from the Rosehill mount.

“Back up to the trip, that’s what he’s bred for,” Maher said.

“He came through his run really well, and he’s ticking over pretty well.

“Craig probably just went a touch slow the other day. If he had his time again, I would say he probably would have gone a bit quicker.

“But he rallied well, and he was good through the line, so I wouldn’t read too much into that last run.

“I suppose getting out to that trip twice is a bit of a feat (for a three-year-old), but we’ve done it before.”

Prior to Hitotsu, Maher won the Australian Derby via Explosive Jack, who later took the South Australian Derby at Morphettville and ran third in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.

On Saturday, Observer has the No. 1 saddlecloth and barrier 12 in the 13-horse contest.

Head to the racing odds at top sports betting platforms for the Australian Derby action.