Fashion, tips and race results from Flemington with main race to jump at 4.20pm; Observer, Providence, Options, Savastina favourites

Champion jockey Mark Zahra insists the Observer must get the plan half right to justify his billing as the short-priced favorite in the $2 million Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.

Zahra enters the famous Melbourne Cup carnival with confidence and a strong riding book, including Joseph O’Brien-trained Cup fanatic Al Riffa and Ciaron Maher’s star colt Observer in Saturday’s Derby.

Observer showed his class with an unlucky third in the Caulfield Guineas two starts ago and beat eight rivals last start in the Moonee Valley Vase.

Zahra guided Observer to a dominant five-length lead but quickly dropped back to win by just half a length.

This tactic, used to keep an eye on the Derby Observer, cost Zahra a $1,500 fine for not riding her mount to the finish line.

Observer is the $2.15 Derby favorite among Chris Waller’s Providence ($7) and Rory Hunter’s Autumn Mystery ($10), while Options and O’Sheamus (both $13) round out the top five.

“He is by far the best horse in the race,” Zahra told the Observer.

“I don’t think any other horse can run like he did in the (Caulfield) Guineas, which was a great form race.

“The main thing for me is to make him feel comfortable, but he doesn’t need to get every part right because he’s so much better than them.

“If he can get the first half right, I think that will be enough.”

Former jockey trainer Nick Ryan disagrees as he chases his first Derby victory with Miewa ($17) and Highvol ($26).

“Mark thinks so too, but I’m sure he knows it’s a big ask for young horses to go over 2500 meters for the first time at this stage of their careers,” Ryan said.

“This is a big question for all runners and they need to do it.

“He is riding the horse in the class and is the deserved favourite… but he will be put to the test tomorrow.”

Assistant trainer Calvin McEvoy is confident Options can be among the contenders under Harry Coffey after winning the Super Impose Stakes two starts ago and being stopped badly in the Moonee Valley Vase last start.

“I think 2500 meters would be appropriate,” McEvoy said.

“He’s a horse that could be competitive in what looks like a very tough race.”

Two-time Melbourne Cup winner Zahra is targeting multiple Group 1 successes on Saturday.

He will ride favorite Tentyris in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) and Waller’s Leica Lucy in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), where his stablemate Fangirl and Maher’s Pride Of Jenni will battle.

“I’m feeling good. I’ve got some ammo and some good rides out there,” Zahra said.

“This is a week we need to work on and I’m in good shape.”

AAP