Three-year-old stayer Autumn Mystery is set to launch his campaign for the South Australian Derby facing seasoned rivals at Caulfield.
The gelding was last sighted placing eighth in the Victoria Derby (2500m) held at Flemington back in November, and now he takes his place in Saturday’s Lamaro’s Hotel Handicap (1400m), which is a benchmark 84 contest.
Trainer Rory Hunter has mapped out three preparatory events for Autumn Mystery ahead of the South Australian Derby (2500m) scheduled at Morphettville on May 2.
After this weekend’s run comes the Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on March 21, followed by the Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 4, leading into the South Australian Derby just four weeks afterward.
Hunter noted the schedule provides flexibility if issues arise.
“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 anticipates improved fortune with the barrier position for the upcoming South Australian Derby.
Autumn Mystery ended up eighth with Blake Shinn aboard in the Victoria Derby, yet he was among the strongest finishers despite starting from a wide barrier and settling at the rear.
“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.”
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