Observer delivered a stunning performance at Moonee Valley, stamping himself as the standout contender for next week’s Victoria Derby with a dominant win in the $400,000 Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase.

Already a $3.50 favourite before the race, the Godolphin colt firmed into odds-on after an effortless victory under Mark Zahra, who dictated from the front throughout the 2040m contest.

By the 150m mark, Observer was four lengths clear and eased down late to score by a soft half-length over Providence, with O’Sheamus finishing a further length away.

Ciaron Maher said the decision to bypass the Cox Plate was vindicated by the result.

“It was a bit of a line ball, (but) he’s a raw colt and he’s learning with each start. It is the right call today,” Maher said.

“The Derby was always the plan but he can be quite free so we brought him here today, and the back-up going to the 2500 was the best option for him.

“He put the writing on the wall last time he ran in the Guineas. You’d think he’d only get better, given his breeding as he stretches out.”

The victory capped a huge day for Godolphin, with Attica taking out the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick earlier in the afternoon.

Zahra said Observer’s professionalism and stamina make him a natural Derby horse.

“He was having a good look around and quickened up for 400 and the race was over,” Zahra said.

“I was getting a bit up him in the end but thinking about next week I thought ‘that’ll do, you’d better ease up’.

“So onwards and upwards towards next week.”

Stewards later fined Zahra $1500 for not fully riding the horse out to the line, but the star hoop was more focused on the bigger prize at Flemington.

Those planning to back Observer for the Victoria Derby can compare odds and offers across leading Australian betting sites like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.