Autumn Mystery's autumn plans target South Australian Derby
The staying three-year-old Autumn Mystery kicks off his bid for the South Australian Derby taking on more experienced competitors at Caulfield.
Having most recently been eighth across the line in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington during November, Autumn Mystery now contests the benchmark 84 Lamaro's Hotel Handicap (1400m) this Saturday.
Rory Hunter, the trainer, has outlined three key lead-up races for Autumn Mystery building toward the South Australian Derby (2500m) on May 2 at Morphettville.
Next after Saturday will be the Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) on March 21 at Caulfield, then the Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 4, with the Derby arriving four weeks on.
The trainer mentioned this itinerary offers some leeway in case plans need adjustment.
"The South Australian Derby will be his grand final this prep and hopefully we can go into that fourth run in," Hunter said.
"He'll go to the Alister Clark Stakes in a month's time after this and then maybe the Easter Cup at Caulfield then hopefully into the South Australian Derby.
"I think the lead-up race over there, the Chairman's, comes up a bit short only seven days before the Derby and if anything goes wrong, you're a bit short on time with them, so we'd prefer to give him that two or three weeks into it.
"Saturday's race, I think, it's a good stepping stone for him. He comes in with a lightweight being a three-year-old.
"I'm hoping he's making some late ground and we'll be happy."
For the South Australian Derby, Hunter seeks a kinder barrier draw.
In the Victoria Derby, despite Blake Shinn's ride from a wide gate that forced Autumn Mystery to settle last, the three-year-old closed powerfully to eighth.
"Unfortunately, he drew a wide barrier and there wasn't much we could do," Hunter said.
"Blake's hands were tied and we had to go back and ride him cold and finish off the best he could, but he still ran really well.
"His sectionals were the quickest of the race, last 600, 400 and 200 (metres) and I think he's got a lot of improvement still to come this time around."
Head to leading online bookmakers for competitive betting markets on Saturday's Lamaro's Hotel Handicap.
More Racing News
Thornton backing Run Lucy Run for Ipswich repeat
Trainer Glenn Thornton is aware of Run Lucy Run's capabilities, but unlocking her top form requires a patient approach that he believes will ultimately prove fruitful.Having shifted from Victoria to the Gold Coast, the handler is developing his 12-strong 2026 string, and Run Lucy Run seeks to capitalise on her...
Berry optimistic as Incognito targets Silver Slipper redemption
It's no simple task to chart the progress of a two-year-old with limited starts, above all following a bump in their autumn campaign.Jockey Tommy Berry is leaning towards positivity though, with Incognito ready to relaunch his Golden Slipper bid during Saturday's Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill.Previously the market elect for...
Oakleigh Plate looms as key target for Don't Hope Do
The connections of Don't Hope Do have devoted 18 months to strategising, and now they can observe the results in Caulfield's Group 1 sprint event.According to trainer Simon Zahra, Saturday's Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield represents the strongest prospect for Don't Hope Do to secure a Group 1 success.He teamed...
Mareth set for major challenge against mares in Millie Fox Stakes
Rising star filly Mareth encounters a significant autumn hurdle by competing with more experienced mares in the Millie Fox Stakes held at Rosehill.Having raced on just five occasions, the three-year-old claimed her maiden at Canterbury during December and then was narrowly beaten by impressive filly Caffe Florian in the Listed...
Colt Eternal Warrior targets family boost in Blue Diamond Stakes
A single inspection convinced Lloyd Kennewell that Eternal Warrior possessed the precocity for prominent early two-year-old races, a view the colt has substantiated by securing a spot in the Blue Diamond Stakes.This promising youngster seeks his generation's opening Group 1 in the $2 million showdown set for Caulfield this Saturday.Among...
Futurity Stakes offers Evaporate shot at breakthrough Group 1
Although yet to secure a Group 1 triumph, the connections of Lindsay Park's Evaporate believe elite-level success is just around the corner for their charge.This Saturday at Caulfield, the Ben, Will and J D Hayes-prepared four-year-old begins his autumn assignment in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).According to Ben Hayes,...
Parramatta Cup first-up victory in sights for Just Fine according to Bott
After a trio of standout triumphs upon entering Australian racing, Just Fine has alternated between strong and subdued performances.Co-trainer Adrian Bott, however, feels the eight-year-old with few starts is primed to revive his top form during this autumn campaign.In Saturday's Group 3 Parramatta Cup (1900m) at Rosehill, Tulloch Lodge fields...
Tough draw awaits Mr Waterville in Lord Reims Stakes at Morphettville
Clayton Douglas, the trainer, plans to proceed to Adelaide regardless of the challenging gate position drawn by recent stablemate Mr Waterville.This Irish import, who Chris Waller handled during his initial Australian tenure, targets the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) scheduled at Morphettville on Saturday.The trainer regards this weekend's contest...
Hobartville Stakes to probe Napoleonic's stamina
Napoleonic proved his class among elite three-year-olds by running second on debut this campaign to standout filly Tempted, and his upcoming mission is to demonstrate he can carry his speed over longer.This young colt gets to test himself at Rosehill on Saturday, stretching to 1400 metres initially in the Group...
Third win has Decorum on track for Rosehill Guineas
The lightly campaigned three-year-old Decorum boasts three victories from four appearances, opening doors to a tilt at the Group One Rosehill Guineas.As the $1.65 favourite under trainer Michael Freedman, the colt extended his return-to-racing success from Warwick Farm this month with a tough effort to win the Hyland Race Colours...