Observer has tightened his grip on Victoria Derby favouritism after a commanding performance in the $400,000 Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase.

Ridden confidently by Mark Zahra, the Ciaron Maher-trained colt surged clear at the 150m before being eased down late to score by half a length over Providence ($7), with O’Sheamus ($10) third.

Already a $3.50 Derby favourite, Observer is now odds-on for the Flemington Classic following the impressive display.

Maher said skipping the Cox Plate proved the right call. “It was a bit of a line ball, (but) he’s a raw colt and he’s learning with each start,” he said. “The Derby was always the plan.”

Zahra was full of praise for the Ghaiyyath colt, saying, “He was having a good look around and quickened up for 400 and the race was over.”

Stewards later fined Zahra $1500 for easing the winner near the post.