Champion jockey Mark Zahra rode Observer to a commanding victory in the $2 million Victorian Derby at Flemington on Saturday, securing his fourth win of the day. The short-priced favourite led from the start and held firm down the straight for a comfortable win.
Zahra, who was fined $1500 for not riding his mount to the finish in the Moonee Valley Vase, waited until the final 200 meters before letting Observer go, and there was no stopping him. Arcora finished second, while Deal Done Fast took third.
Earlier, Zahra won the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on Tentyris, a Godolphin-owned colt who exploded for a dominant win. It was Zahra's second Coolmore triumph and first since 2017. He also won the Wakeful Stakes on Getta Good Feeling and the Damien Oliver on Warnie.
Zahra was denied a fifth victory when Pride Of Jenni won the $1 million Empire Rose Stakes, becoming the first multiple winner of the race. Declan Bates rode the winner, with Zahra second on Leica Lucy.
Trainer Chris Waller started the carnival with a win in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes as Panova upset favorite Regal Award. It was Waller's fifth win in the traditional opener.
