Observer arrives with a Group 1 notch on his resume, but an element of pending resolution accompanies his return to premium racing this Saturday at Flemington.

The Ciaron Maher-prepared colt looks to annex the $1 million Australian Guineas to his Victoria Derby from last spring over the same track.

Sired by Ghaiyyath, he substantiated 2500-metre credentials against his age group in the Derby, yet bore a misfortune narrative from the Caulfield Guineas, with Maher hoping for a 1600m elite win.

“I think he showed there that he’s good enough to win at that level over that trip,” Maher said of his Caulfield Guineas run, when beaten 2-1/2 lengths by Autumn Boy.

“I hope he can do it for him and his future.

“You would think he’ll only better at Flemington, just with the style he races and the set-up of the track.

“He was good first-up, but he’d be much better at the mile and beyond.”

Following the Caulfield Guineas, Observer has won his next three starts, the Derby after a bold triumph in the Moonee Valley Vase (2040m), and his preparation kicked off with a firm on-speed victory in the Autumn Stakes (1400m).

Trainer Maher avoided that race with Hitotsu, who doubled up in Victoria Derby-Australian Guineas in 2021, and sees the colt’s February 7 1400m display as indicative of ripening form.

“With Hitotsu, we were very confident to go in fresh at the mile, but with this horse, I wanted to give him a run,” Maher said.

“He’s a different style of horse, he’s a bit more relaxed this time around. He went from the Norton (bit) back to the normal bridle last start, so he is maturing as he goes and is getting stronger.”

Having ridden Observer in the Caulfield Guineas, Ethan Brown filled in for injured Mark Zahra during the Autumn Stakes and holds the Guineas booking.

Observer leads Australian Guineas wagering at $2.40, from Chris Waller-trained Sixties, C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) conqueror, the $3 runner-up choice.

Head to the sports betting options for competitive markets on the Australian Guineas.