Real Surreal guaranteed herself a spot in the Magic Millions Classic and ended the hopes of several rivals with a dominant win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Before Saturday, Real Surreal was precariously placed on the order of entry for the Millions and needed to win at Eagle Farm to prevent several other contenders, including runner-up Dalton, from leapfrogging her position.
Dalton collected A$10,000 for running second but that will not be enough to gain a start while North Queensland visitor He's A Ladies Man will have to rely on a high attrition rate to gain a Millions start after finishing sixth.
Real Surreal has firmed from $26 into $16 for the Millions, now that her place is secure.
Trainer Kelso Wood said the filly would have no problem with the seven-day back-up into the Millions.
"She's the toughest horse in the stable so backing up won't be an issue," Wood said.
"When we went to get her out of her box to bring her to the races today she was eating her feed and she'll be looking for more when she gets home." Wood praised the ride of Matthew Palmer, who will hand over the reins to Michael Cahill in the Millions.
"He rode her perfect today and did exactly what I told him," Wood said.
"He stoked her up early to put her in the race, then made sure she got out and had a clear run and that's all this filly needed."
According to Wood, Real Surreal is improving with each start and will be even better suited stepping up to 1200m this Saturday.
Palmer said the form Real Surreal was showing as a 2-year-old augured well for her long-term future.
- AAP