Hunter hoping for Blue Diamond Stakes start for Autumn Mystery

Mornington trainer Rory Hunter remains hopeful that his promising two-year-old gelding, Autumn Mystery, will secure a spot in the prestigious Blue Diamond Stakes. However, he has a solid alternative plan in place should things not go his way.

“We’re not sure; it’s 50-50. We were 35th last Monday. I’m thinking we might go close with Sydney horses staying up there,” Hunter said.

The final field for the Blue Diamond Stakes will be revealed on Tuesday, with Autumn Mystery currently holding $30,860 in earnings.

Autumn Mystery has demonstrated significant ability in his three career starts. He placed third on debut at Mornington in a small field of five, but it was his next two outings that highlighted his potential.

On January 18, he produced a flying finish to grab third place behind Cavalry Girl over 1000m at Flemington. Then, in the Blue Diamond Prelude over 1100m, he surged home from last place into the straight to finish sixth, recording the fastest final 200m split of 11.51 seconds.

Racing Victoria stewards reported that Autumn Mystery was briefly held up after the 200m mark, needing to shift in for clear running at 150m. Near the finish line, he was unable to be fully ridden out due to shifting outward toward Tycoon Star’s heels.

“He drew the outside barrier, and we knew Paddy (Moloney) had to ride him quietly and let him finish strong. We had to be patient. Paddy was able to weave his way through in the straight, and it was a fantastic run,” Hunter said.

Should he miss out on a Blue Diamond Stakes berth, Hunter plans to target the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on March 8 instead.