Adrian Bott admits that if ownership sentiment prevails, promising filly By Choice is likely to head north following her impressive debut win at Randwick.
While Bott would prefer to take a more conservative path with the youngster, the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 17 looms large given the enthusiasm of her connections.
A $220,000 purchase from the 2025 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, By Choice ($7.50) finished strongly to reel in Masvingo ($3.50) and score in the Spelling at Coolmore Mt White Handicap (1100m).
Race favourite Tigroni ($3.40) finished close up in third, less than a quarter-length from the runner-up.
“She’s a professional and that will take her a long way,” Bott said of By Choice.
“She put herself into the race and came back under Regan (Bayliss). She showed plenty late.
“The owners are keen to get a runner on the Gold Coast and I may be one-out if I said to try and hang out for the Widden Stakes or something like that later.”
The daughter of Written By had to overcome a wide alley after jumping from barrier ten in the field.
“Barrier ten is never easy especially when the rail is out so far,” jockey Regan Bayliss said.
“I knew she had the professionalism to overcome that and that is exactly what she did.
“She showed good speed from the barriers and switched off a treat. She’s a nice filly.”
Bott indicated that if the Magic Millions path is locked in, By Choice could run in the Gold Pearl 2YO Fillies (1100m) at the Gold Coast a week before the main event.
Early Magic Millions betting markets and race odds can be viewed via the Australian betting sites list.