2026 Magic Millions Classic but not By Choice for trainer

Adrian Bott accepts that ownership support may steer debut winner By Choice towards a Gold Coast campaign following her Randwick success.

While Bott would ideally prefer to space the filly’s preparation and target a later two-year-old race, the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 17 remains firmly on the table.

A $220,000 yearling from the 2025 Gold Coast Sale, By Choice ($7.50) displayed a sharp turn of foot to win the Spelling at Coolmore Mt White Handicap (1100m), running down early leader Masvingo ($3.50).

Well-backed Tigroni ($3.40) wasn’t far away in third, beaten less than a quarter-length.

“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.”

Despite drawing barrier ten, the Written By filly handled conditions impressively.

“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 said a lead-up run in the Gold Pearl 2YO Fillies (1100m) could be considered if the Magic Millions option is confirmed.

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