There won’t be any over-the-top celebrations from Autumn Mystery’s camp should the gelding capture Saturday’s Victoria Derby at Flemington.

“I’d be happy to go to the pub for a parma and a pot of beer, that would do me,” Autumn Mystery’s trainer Rory Hunter said.

“You do have to dream, and he’ll represent the stable really well on Saturday.”

The progressive three-year-old has continued to lift with each outing and now heads into the Group 1 staying test over 2500m chasing his third straight victory.

As a juvenile, Autumn Mystery lined up in the famous Blue Diamond Stakes, and now nearly a year later stretches out to the Derby distance for the first time.

He also brings valuable race experience, being the most seasoned runner in the 20-horse field which features four emergencies. If the emergencies don’t secure a start, he will begin from barrier 15.

Purchased for just $15,000 as a yearling, Autumn Mystery always hinted at ability, though Hunter expected the gelding to develop further as a three-year-old and peak even more heading into the autumn.

Following his final two-year-old run, the stable began planning a Derby path, and while narrow defeats tested patience, the breakthrough win finally arrived at Flemington over 1800m on September 21.

He then stepped to 2000m and produced a determined performance, overcoming interference in the straight to claim the Caulfield Classic (2000m) on October 18.

“We always knew he a ton of ability, but he was just getting a bit frustrating,” Hunter said.

“That win at Flemington brought out some confidence in him and in his last win at Caulfield and he’s really thrived since.

“He’s had a nice couple of weeks between runs now.

“He’s bounced out of his last run really well, he’s eaten up and his work has been really good since, so we’re really happy with him heading into the Derby on Saturday.”

Blake Shinn once again takes the ride after being aboard for the gelding’s past two victories, though Hunter admits the wide gate does create some tactical questions.

“A jockey of Blake’s experience, you don’t have to give them any instructions,” Hunter said.

“He’s ridden at that level numerous times and he’s got the experience on his side. He’s one of the smartest decision makers out there of the jockeys.

“He’s been a bargain buy for the owners. I honestly thought on his pedigree he would be a $200,000 or $300,000 horse, a bit outside our price budget.

“He’s been fantastic for the owners. He owes them nothing and he’s going to take them on a ride.

“Whatever he does on Saturday, in 12 months’ time, they’ve got a lot of fun times in front of them.”

If you’re betting on the Victoria Derby, compare odds and offers via Australia’s best betting sites first.