No Mystery around gelding’s 2025 Victoria Derby chances

Autumn Mystery has stamped himself as one of the most exciting staying prospects of the spring, claiming Saturday’s Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) and setting his sights firmly on the Victoria Derby next month.

The Rory Hunter-trained gelding, who broke his maiden in the Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington last start, made it two wins in a row with another composed and powerful performance under jockey Blake Shinn. The win has vaulted Autumn Mystery to the second line of betting for the November 1 Derby.

“We’ll just see how he pulls up over the next couple of days, the horse is more important than anything, but it’s sensational,” Hunter said.

“It’d be a boyhood dream, that’s for sure. This horse is a star. He’s still six months away from being the best of him. It’s just incredible.”

Ridden confidently by Shinn, the son of The Autumn Sun ($4.60) found the rail turning for home before surging through a narrow gap to win by three-quarters of a length over Miewa ($4.20), with Amazake ($26) a close third. Only half a length separated the next five runners in a thrilling finish, while favourite Engine Of War ($2.70) struggled to make ground, finishing seventh.

“It was a great win, he ran the 2000 out and bring on the Derby,” Shinn said post-race.

Hunter, who only began training in 2022, described Autumn Mystery’s rise as a career highlight and said the gelding’s maturity and temperament would serve him well over the Derby’s testing 2500m.

“He just keeps improving every run and he’s learning what it’s all about,” Hunter said. “You dream of having horses like this during the spring, and it’s a privilege to be here.”

Earlier in the day, the fillies’ division saw a surprise result in the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes, with Queanbeyan filly Spicy Lu defeating the favourite Just A Journey ($2.40) by three-quarters of a length. The Nick Olive-trained daughter of Tagaloa is now set to be tested over the 2500m of the VRC Oaks at Flemington on November 6.

“Running second in the Caulfield Cup with Single Gaze was probably the biggest thrill of my career, but it’s great to get a win down here,” Olive said.

“She’s just had no luck in her runs down here, it’s been so frustrating, but it’s great to get the job done today.”

With the Victoria Derby and VRC Oaks fast approaching, markets continue to shift as spring contenders emerge. For the latest odds, bonus offers, and exclusive promotions, visit Australia’s top betting sites.