Autumn Mystery’s maiden win was a long time coming, but he will be chasing a hat-trick of wins in next month’s Victoria Derby after franking his status as a leading contender for that event at Caulfield on Saturday.
Rory Hunter’s stable star prevailed in a thrilling edition of the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m), which followed his maiden victory in the Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington.
Autumn Mystery now holds down the second line of betting on the November 1 Derby and Hunter is already dreaming of having a leading contender for one of Australia’s most prestigious races.
“We’ll just see how he pulls up over the next couple of days, the horse is more important than anything, but it’s sensational,” he said.
“It’d be a boyhood dream, that’s for sure.
“This horse is a star. He’s still six months away from being the best of him. It’s just incredible.”
Autumn Mystery benefitted from a shrewd Blake Shinn ride to power through along the inside and claim the traditional Derby lead-up.
The son of The Autumn Sun, who started $4.60, scored by three-quarters-of-a-length from Miewa ($4.20), who edged out Amazake ($26) in a competitive battle for the minor placings that saw just half-a-length separate the next five over the line behind Autumn Mystery.
Engine Of War ($2.70 fav), the pre-race Derby equal favourite, laboured into seventh position, four lengths from the winner.
“It was a great win, he ran the 2000 out and bring on the Derby,” Shinn said.
Shinn narrowly missed out on claiming the day’s other 2000m Group 3 lead-up to a Melbourne Cup Carnival three-year-old feature, finishing second aboard Sydney filly Just A Journey in the Ethereal Stakes.
The $2.40 favourite was denied by three-quarters-of-a-length by Queanbeyan visitor Spicy Lu, who put her hand up as a VRC Oaks contender with a gritty on-pace win.
Spicy Lu is a daughter of Blue Diamond winner Tagaloa, but Olive is open to testing her out to the 2500m of the Oaks on November 6.
“Running second in the Caulfield Cup with Single Gaze was probably the biggest thrill of my career, but it’s great to get a win down here,” he said.
“She’s just had no luck in her runs down here, it’s been so frustrating, (but) it’s great to get the job done today.”
