Mornington trainer Rory Hunter is relishing the chance to have a genuine Melbourne Spring Carnival contender in promising gelding Autumn Mystery.

The three-year-old lines up in Saturday’s Caulfield Classic (2000m) as his final lead-up to the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 1.

Hunter, who went out on his own in 2022 after decades in leading stables, is chasing his first Stakes victory.

“It’s great to be a part of the Melbourne Spring Carnival and have a horse that is a live chance in the race,” Hunter said.

Autumn Mystery ran in the Blue Diamond earlier in his career before breaking through in the Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington last month.

“He was knocking on the door quite a few times, but sometimes he just switches off too much,” Hunter said. “We knew the win was going to come eventually and thank God it was at Flemington.”

Blake Shinn retains the ride on Saturday.