Victoria Derby 2025 a dream for trainer Rory Hunter
Flemington witnessed a breakthrough for trainer Rory Hunter on Sunday when Autumn Mystery landed the Howden Victoria Derby Preview (1800m), the gelding breaking his maiden and handing his trainer a first metropolitan victory.
At $4.60, the son of The Autumn Sun showed his staying potential, responding to a perfectly timed Blake Shinn ride to score narrowly from Engine Of War ($6), with favourite Options ($3.10) close behind in third. The margin was just a short half head and a half head in a dramatic finish.
Hunter was full of praise for his charge and for the owners’ commitment. “It’s been an incredible journey to this horse. We’ve believed in him from day one, and it’s great for it to come off,” he said. “The owners have knocked back big offers and given a young trainer like me a chance. I’m so grateful.”
Looking ahead, the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) is the clear spring goal. “That’s the dream, but we’ll see how he comes through the run. He’s got a big future and at this stage, we’re heading that way,” Hunter said.
Shinn, a multiple Group 1-winning jockey, believes Autumn Mystery has the qualities to measure up. “He’s got presence, he’s got an engine, and once he matures mentally he’ll be a serious horse,” Shinn said. “He still did things wrong today, but he fought and got the job done.”
The win propelled Autumn Mystery into $8 second favourite for the Derby, behind Engine Of War who remained steady at $4.50.
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