Million Dollar Fastnet Filly Aiming Towards MM Day

Blue-blooded filly Alter Call (3f Fastnet Rock x Response, by Charge Forward) booked her ticket to Magic Millions raceday on the Gold coast next month with a tenacious win over the colts and geldings at Caulfield on Boxing Day.

Prepared by Mick Price, Alter Call was second to Selenia when making her debut in a Listed race at Flemington on March 5, but was sidelined shortly after.

She returned to win at her first run back at Werribee on December 11 and went on her winning way in this tougher assignment fighting hard to the lien to win the 1200 metre sprint by ashort half head.

Alter Call is entered for two races at the Magic Millions at the Gold Coast on January 14 and Price admitted he had anticipated a more clear cut victory for the expensive filly.

"Gee, I hope the second is a good horse," Price said. "I thought she might have won a little more impressively than that.

"The whole object of coming here today was it was the race for her and I think there is improvement to come.

"There would need to be as there are two races at the Gold Coast we've got options for but at least the win gives her the prizemoney to go up there and have a go."

Alter Call is entered in the Fillies and Mares race over 1300m and the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 14.

Price said he feels the daughter of Group I winner Response can improve when ridden differently.

"Her dam won up to 1400 metres and I'm not sure we have to lead on her all the time - she's a nice relaxed filly," Price said.

"We've got a bit of tinkering to do with her but it was nice to win with her today."

Damien Oliver said he feels having to hold the inside impacted the finishing speed of Alter Call.

"I had to use her up a bit to hold the inside and that might have softened her up a bit for the finish but she fought on bravely," Oliver said.

"I think she'll be better ridden with a trail but she's doing the job nicely at the moment.

"I think the softer option on the Gold Coast might be better for her being a young filly that has not had a lot of experience and the shorter distance will probably suit better as well."

A $1,050,000 Magic Millions purchase for China Horse Club from the Newgate Farm draft, Alter Call carries their colours and runs for them and the Newgate / SF Bloodstock partnership.