Small-time trainer Rory Hunter is hoping he can achieve the same result with his first Group 1 runner as he did when kicking off his training career.
Hunter’s first ever runner was Songaa at Stony Creek in December 2022 which gave the trainer the dream result.
Fast forward to the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday and Autumn Mystery will be Hunter’s first foray into Group 1 company.
Autumn Mystery is a $51 outsider, but the gelding was a ‘flashing light’ when sixth in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 8.
That day Autumn Mystery jumped from the outside barrier and again the barrier gods have been unkind with the gelding again drawing the widest gate.
Hunter said they will have to take their medicine and go back early in the race, but one thing he did learn from Autumn Mystery’s latest effort is the gelding is not field shy.
“It was a massive run without a lot of luck up the straight,” Hunter said.
“Patty (Moloney) rode him well. He educated the horse, and at least we know he will take runs and take gaps and pass horses.
“There should be a lot of pressure early in the race, so we’ll probably just let it unfold in front of us and hopefully we can find something to follow.
“My Gladiola has drawn out, so it might be one to follow and take us a long way into the race.”
Luck was on Hunter’s side when he came to purchase Autumn Mystery.
Expecting the son of The Autumn Sun to be outside his price bracket, Autumn Mystery was knocked down for $15,000 at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
“He was a cracking type,” Hunter said.
“He probably looked more a three-year-old when I bought him out of the sales, and it’s been quite surreal to see what he’s done so far.
“The owners paid $15,000 for him and that was quite a surprise.
“He was on the last day of the sales at Melbourne Premier, the last 10 lots of the sale, and most people had gone home by then, so it worked out in our favour.
“What he’s done so far has been a benefit for everyone and he’s going to be twice as good in six to 12 months’ time.
“He’s got a lovely nature and every time that he’s been to the races, it’s like he’s been there 100 times before and I think that goes a long way for these two-year-olds to perform at their best.”
Hunter has been training just over two years preparing eight winners from 131 starters.
He has just six horses in work with plenty of room.
“I’m always looking for more horses and more clients and hopefully this bloke will give us a kick along,” Hunter said.
“A Group 1 win would certainly be a great advertisement.”
