Ciaron Maher acknowledges the challenge of preparing a three-year-old for a pair of 2400m Derbies within the same season, yet the top trainer of long-distance horses is confident it is achievable.

Observer is set to chase the Victoria Derby – Australian Derby double when the son of Ghaiyyath contests the 2400m Group 1 feature, the latter event, at Randwick this Saturday.

Maher achieved the double previously with Hitotsu during the 2021-22 campaign, as Chris Waller got Riff Rocket ready for the same feat in 2023-24.

Similar to Hitotsu, Observer claimed the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington, though unlike Hitotsu who headed directly to the Derby post-Guineas, Observer raced over 2000m and placed third in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas on March 21.

Maher retains full confidence in Observer, who keeps enhancing his behaviour through racing, and the step up to 2400m this Saturday suits the colt perfectly.

James McDonald, Australia’s premier jockey, will partner Observer on Saturday, stepping in for Craig Williams, the rider from the Rosehill outing.

“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.”

Maher had earlier secured the Australian Derby victory with Explosive Jack, the season prior to Hitotsu, and that horse later captured the South Australian Derby at Morphettville prior to a third-place finish in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.

Observer carries the number one saddlecloth on Saturday and draws barrier 12 in the 13-horse lineup.

Explore the Australian betting sites for top racing odds ahead of the Australian Derby at Randwick.