Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young look to have a serious Thousand Guineas chance on their hands after Acting claimed the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on Sunday.
Leading from barrier to box, jockey Tommy Berry capped off a huge weekend after riding two winners at Rosehill on Saturday, steering the three-year-old filly by Savabeel to a comfortable length and a half victory at double-digit odds.
Acting found something extra over the final furlong with Southbank challenging on the outside. The Kiwi galloper is now 3/3 in her last three starts, and more importantly, has firmed from $31.00 into $12.00 ahead of the Group 1 Thousand Guineas on October 12.
“She’s a fantastic filly, fantastic colour they just keep winning, great stallion, not a lot else to say I suppose” Busuttin said after the race.
Acting doesn’t hold a nomination for the Thousand Guineas, but connections can pay a late entry fee on the heels of Sunday’s impressive run.
Busuttin went on to say he had no doubts on Acting’s chances, especially with some good recent form behind her.
“You never say I told you so but she’s the best horse in the stable no doubt, and sort of the form out of her is great. Obviously, you’ve got the good two-year-old fillies in there and they always catch up,” Bussutin said.
After drawing the inside, choosing to dictate from the front proved the difference in the end as Berry avoided a late traffic jam that cost race-favourite Flit and a handful of Godolphin’s other top chances.
“Makes all the difference doesn’t it. I grew up watching Gai Waterhouse’s horses just bang up on speed, keeps you out of trouble. All tempo related, it makes all the difference” Bussutin said when asked about the instructions he gave Berry.
Hugh Bowman found no such luck as he was caught deep on the final turn aboard Flit. Lyre and Tenley also struggled to make up ground, while Snapdancer ran an unlucky fourth.
Full Ladbrokes Thousand Guineas Odds can be viewed here.
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