Staying three-year-old Autumn Mystery will kick off his South Australian Derby campaign against older horses at Caulfield.
Last seen when finishing eighth in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington in November, Autumn Mystery lines up in the Lamaro’s Hotel Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, a benchmark 84 grade race.
Trainer Rory Hunter is planning three lead-up races for Autumn Mystery into the South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 2.
Following Saturday’s outing is the Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on March 21, the Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 4 with the South Australian Derby four weeks later.
Hunter said that program leaves some wriggle room should anything not go to plan.
“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.”
Hunter will be hoping for some better luck with the barrier draw when the draw comes out for the South Australian Derby.
While finishing eighth under Blake Shinn in the Victoria Derby, Autumn Mystery was one of the best closers in the race after being snagged to last from a wide gate.
“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.”
