Bjorn Baker’s consistent three-year-old gelding Puntin will contest the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday as he looks to further embellish an already impressive record.
With four wins and two seconds from six starts, Puntin has quickly established himself as a rising star in the stable and showed tenacity last start when leading and holding off challengers to secure a narrow win at Rosehill.
That was over 1400m and the son of Super Seth is likely to be even better getting out in distance accord to Baker’s Assistant Trainer Luke Hilton.
“The world is oyster at the moment. I think he’s improved out of that run. I thought he was a very good chance the other day at the 1400, but I think he’s going to be better at the mile,” Hilton said.
“He’s possibly going to be even better when he steps out over a touch further, so there should be no problems at the mile with him on Saturday.
“His work this week has been outstanding. It’s some of the best work I’ve seen from him, so I am confident he goes there as a really good chance on Saturday.”
Ashley Morgan, who has enjoyed a breakout season highlighted by partnering unbeaten Group One galloper Private Harry, will again take the ride on Saturday.
“Ash has done a great job in his career so far and he has gone to the next level now,” Hilton said.
“He rode Puntin superbly the other day. He gets on with him really well and I think the horse has gone to another level as well.”
Puntin was bred by Jonathan Munz’s GSA Bloodstock, who also raced the gelding’s Caulfield Guineas-winning sire Super Seth.
Now standing at Waikato Stud, Super Seth has made an enormous impact this year with Group One-winning progeny Feroce, Linebacker, La Dorada and Maison Louis.
Puntin is out of the winning Encosta De Lago mare Stella Grace, who is a full-sister to the stakes winner Risk Aversion and a half-sister to the multiple Group Two winner Shania Dane.
Presented as a yearling by Haunui Farm during the Book 1 sale at Karaka 2023, Puntin was purchased for $60,000 by Bjorn Baker Racing and Clarke Bloodstock.