Autumn out to be a hit in the 2025 Victoria Derby
The Autumn Mystery team won’t be lining up anything extravagant should their three-year-old claim the Victoria Derby at Flemington this weekend.
“I’d be happy to go to the pub for a parma and a pot of beer, that would do me,” trainer Rory Hunter said.
“You do have to dream, and he’ll represent the stable really well on Saturday.”
Autumn Mystery arrives at the Derby chasing three straight wins, continuing his rise as he steps to 2500m for the first time in the Group 1 classic.
After contesting the Blue Diamond Stakes as a two-year-old, the gelding has continued to develop with age and now boasts more race experience than any other runner in the Derby field.
He is set to make his tenth career start, taking his place from barrier 15 if all emergencies remain excluded from the field.
Despite his bargain $15,000 price tag, the son of his sire line always profiled as a horse who would improve with maturity.
His breakthrough win came at Flemington over 1800m in September before overcoming interference to prevail in the Caulfield Classic (2000m) on October 18.
“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 retains the ride, and Hunter is leaving strategy to the senior jockey’s judgment.
“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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