Acting gives flawless performance in Prelude

Acting (NZ) ridden by Tommy Berry wins the Schweppes Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield Racecourse on September 29, 2019 in Caulfield, Australia. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Acting stepped up to the big stage at Caulfield today and the Waikato Stud-bred and owned Savabeel filly played a blinder.

She faced the sternest test of her fledgling career in the Gr.2 Thousand Guineas Prelude and passed with flying colours.

As is customary for her, Acting was quickly into stride under jockey Tommy Berry and travelled easily in front to the turn.

When she was asked for a serious effort in the straight, the filly responded in electric fashion to surge clear.

Acting held a strong gallop to the post to win for the third time in her four-start career.

“She’s a fantastic filly, fantastic colours that just keep winning and she’s by a great stallion,” co-trainer Trent Busuttin said.

“She’s the best horse in the stable, no doubt about that.

“It’s great for the breeders to get a Group Two and she’ll be back in a couple of weeks for the Group One.”

Busuttin, who trains with his partner Natalie Young, was referring to the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas.

Acting took bad luck out of the equation today by making the running and justified the stable’s confidence in her.

“It makes all the difference to race like that, out of trouble all the way,” Busuttin said.

Acting will however need a new jockey for the Thousand Guineas, but there are sure to be plenty of offers.

“Unfortunately, I’ll be suspended but she’s going to be a great ride for someone else,” Berry said.

“She’s got good gate speed and she kicked strongly when I asked her 400 metres out.

“Trent and Natalie gave her a really good push and said she’d take some beating and they were right.”

Acting is out of the Pins mare Hollywood, a daughter of the two-time Group One winner Glamour Puss.

Recent News
29 May 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

A couple of years ago, I hosted a number of friends and family at a local restaurant to enjoy my 80th birthday. It seems like yesterday, we had a great time with numerous testimonials, both serious and humorous. I am astounded at how the past two years have added to my CV in what seems like a flash. I can only believe my involvement in Thoroughbred Racing has provided all one could wish for as one ages.

Read More
21 May 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

I don’t know if the two of you have ever had the thrill of travelling at high speed across the water on a single ski, totally dependent on the driver of the boat. Fall off and you are left treading water, reminds you of racing. Here we are, with multiple hints of navigation hanging on to the rope hoping for salvation.

Read More