The stable behind Autumn Mystery isn’t planning anything elaborate should the gelding land Saturday’s Victoria Derby at Flemington.
“I’d be happy to go to the pub for a parma and a pot of beer, that would do me,” Autumn Mystery’s trainer Rory Hunter said.
“You do have to dream, and he’ll represent the stable really well on Saturday.”
Autumn Mystery steps into the Group 1 Derby in excellent form, chasing a third consecutive victory as he tests the 2500m journey for the first time.
He debuted at the top level as a two-year-old in the Blue Diamond Stakes, and now returns to Flemington much more furnished and seasoned.
His experience is an asset, with the gelding set to make his tenth career appearance—more starts than any rival in the field of 20, including four emergencies. If unchanged, he will jump from barrier 15.
Despite his modest $15,000 purchase price, Autumn Mystery always worked like a horse capable of measuring up, and Hunter shaped his entire spring around ensuring the horse could stay and improve.
The gelding’s first major breakthrough of this preparation came with his Flemington victory over 1800m on September 21, followed by a tough and impressive display to win the Caulfield Classic (2000m) last start.
“We always knew he a ton of ability, but he was just getting a bit frustrating,” Hunter said.
“That win at Flemington brought out some confidence in him and in his last win at Caulfield and he’s really thrived since.
“He’s had a nice couple of weeks between runs now.
“He’s bounced out of his last run really well, he’s eaten up and his work has been really good since, so we’re really happy with him heading into the Derby on Saturday.”
Blake Shinn again rides, having steered the gelding in both recent wins. Hunter says he trusts Shinn to adapt to conditions without instruction.
“A jockey of Blake’s experience, you don’t have to give them any instructions,” Hunter said.
“He’s ridden at that level numerous times and he’s got the experience on his side. He’s one of the smartest decision makers out there of the jockeys.
“He’s been a bargain buy for the owners. I honestly thought on his pedigree he would be a $200,000 or $300,000 horse, a bit outside our price budget.
“He’s been fantastic for the owners. He owes them nothing and he’s going to take them on a ride.
“Whatever he does on Saturday, in 12 months’ time, they’ve got a lot of fun times in front of them.”
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