Blue Diamond dream comes true for trainer Rory Hunter with $15k bargain buy Autumn Mystery in Blue Diamond hunt

Third-year trainer Rory Hunter has already achieved his dream of having a Blue Diamond runner with a horse he thought would be out of his price range.

Early birds don’t get all the worms.

Just ask Rory Hunter and owners of Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) bargain buy Autumn Mystery.

The third-year Mornington trainer expected six-figure bids on The Autumn Sun two-year-old, which Hunter snapped up for only $15,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale last year.

Even he only stayed back for interest sake to watch the “cracking type” go through the ring.

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“We thought he would go for $100,000 or $150,000 being by The Autumn Sun but I think because he was one of the last lots or so to go through (on the day),” Hunter said.

“Everyone had gone home by then and it’s worked in our favour … he wasn’t even actually on my book (shortlist).

“We just came across him out at the sale, he came off a really good farm, Gilgai, I think they were late on arrival that day too, and I just walked past and thought this is a cracking type.

“I thought he would be a better three-year-old, he had a lot of furnishing to do, but he’s just really surprised us and taken everything in his stride.”

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Autumn Mystery is the cheapest-priced yearling purchase in the Blue Diamond field on Saturday.

Of the 16 runners 10 went through a sales ring including $1.4m purchase Devil Night.

Autumn Mystery, a gelding from the same family as multiple Group 1 star I Wish I Win, has placed in two of three starts to book a spot in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).

Autumn Mystery will be the cheapest-priced yearling in the Blue Diamond field on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Autumn Mystery ran a creditable sixth in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) last start.

Unable to get to the outside in the straight, jockey Patrick Moloney switched back to the rail as Autumn Mystery wound up nicely.

“I thought it was a great ride by Patty (Moloney), he chose the right option,” Hunter said.

“He could’ve come to the outside but if he gets to the outside he’s nine or 10 wide and the horse has a gut-busting run and nothing left for the Blue Diamond.

“He’s conserved energy and he’s going to the Blue Diamond with a lot more in the tank.

“It’s quite surreal, always dreamed of having a runner in this race one day if I had a horse good enough, quite a dream come true really,” the third-year trainer said.

“We’re certainly buzzing, owners (Nick and Denise Thompson), they’ve been with me since I first started training, I’ve got my mum (Sally) and dad (Steve) and brother (Angus) all behind us, so it’s a really family orientated team.”

Rory Hunter with Songaa after a win at Stony Creek in December, 2022. Picture: Ross Holburt/Racing Photos

Autumn Mystery is a $34 chance for the Blue Diamond.

Hunter, who has eight career wins and 24 places to date, wants to enjoy the Blue Diamond experience with an eye also on the future.

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“A bit different to going to a maiden in the bush, that’s for sure,” Hunter said.

“We’re going to soak up the day, enjoy the atmosphere, and I’m sure the horse will run well and he’s going to be a really special horse in six to 12 months’ time.”

The Autumn Sun progeny, including Group 1 classic winners Autumn Angel, Coco Sun and Vibrant Sun, typically improve as three-year-olds.

“We were more aiming at Caulfield Guineas in six months’ time or a Victoria Derby,” Hunter said.

“It’s more of a surprise he’s got there (Blue Diamond), whatever he does on Saturday he’s going to be a lot better in six months’ time.”

Originally published as Blue Diamond dream comes true for trainer Rory Hunter with $15k bargain buy Autumn Mystery in Blue Diamond hunt