Puntin delivers the 150th winner for Bjorn Baker this season
Trainer Bjorn Baker brought up a milestone 150th winner for the season when progressive gelding Puntin showed tremendous fighting qualities to prevail at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Baker has been enjoying the best season of his training career and reached his new benchmark with a month still to go in the season.
Puntin has contributed to four of those victories throughout the 2024/25 campaign after he burst onto the scene over the summer with three straights at Nowra, Moruya and Warwick Farm.
The son of Super Seth toughed it out on speed to score his maiden city victory in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m).
'It's never easy to win on a Saturday and I think there is more in store, he has a great winning record,' Baker said.
'He was tough and it was a good ride.
'I still think the best is yet to come, once we get him up over a bit further.'
Bjorn Baker looks on after Ashley Morgan guided Puntin to victory at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Photo:.
Puntin was only narrowly beaten first-up this preparation at Canterbury and appreciated the step up from 1250m to 1400m.
Jockey Ash Morgan found the front early on and was able to control the tempo of the race.
Puntin ($4.40 ) continued to find over the concluding stages to hold off the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained Don't Forget Jack ($3.90) by a short neck with Chris Waller's Maori Chief ($13) a half neck away in third.
'He had to work a little bit to get there and probably just overdid it a touch,' Baker said.
'I thought it was a good effort. I thought up to 1400m would suit today.'
Morgan's decision to go to the front early on held the key to Puntin's latest success.
'I was open to taking a sit today but they put me into a position where had to grab the bull by the horns a little bit,' Morgan said.
'Lucky when he was there he rested for me really well.
'I felt like I was going to be vulnerable late because of that work in the first furlong but he is an incredibly tough horse with a lovely attitude.
'He kept sticking his head out.'
The victory continued Morgan's remarkable season, which has included a maiden Group 1, and his third campaign with more than 100 winners.
Originally published as Puntin delivers the 150th winner for Baker this season
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