Sydney’s winter months might not be a peak time for racing, but it is rare they don’t produce a promising horse or two for the spring.
The Bjorn Baker stable is hoping lightly raced three-year-old Puntin could fit that bill as he prepares to chase his first Saturday grade win in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill.
By emerging stallion Super Seth, Puntin has raced five times for three wins and two seconds, including a narrow first-up defeat over 1250m at Canterbury earlier this month.
It followed an initial racing preparation that began with a maiden win at Nowra and ended with a second to talented stablemate Point And Shoot over 1600m at Randwick in February.
“He took all before him in his first preparation from winning a maiden at Nowra to winning in town and then running second to Point And Shoot, which is obviously good form,” Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton said.
“His first-up run was fantastic over an unsuitable distance and steps up to 1400 on Saturday. He is a lovely horse.”
Puntin’s quick progression has laid a strong platform and Hilton hopes the gelding can continue to work his way through the grades as he rises in journey and potentially play a part in the spring.
“What he showed us first preparation in terms of natural improvement and progression, it should see him step up to a nice class,” he said.
Stablemate Thunderlips will be looking to continue his good form in the Schweppes Handicap (1500m) having racked up two wins and a second from his past three starts.
All those performances have been on tracks rated a soft 7 or worse and while he will face firmer conditions this weekend, Hilton says the four-year-old is in a great frame of mind.
“He will have to bring his wet form to dry, but we’re confident he couldn’t be going any better,” he said.
“He is one of the most improved horses in our stable.
“We had a huge opinion of him as a two-year-old. We ran him in stakes races and he is slowly getting back there.”
