Puntin delivers the 150th winner for Bjorn Baker this season
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Telegraph
an hour ago
- Daily Telegraph
AFL 2025; Tom Lynch to face tribunal for striking
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Richmond star Tom Lynch was fined twice and faces up to five weeks on the sidelines for his MCG tantrum after being sent straight to the tribunal. Lynch was reported for striking Adelaide defender Jordan Butts off the ball following a contest between the pair during which he made contact with the head of the Crows defender after a wild swing with his arm. But while the blow glanced off Butts' head, Lynch could still face a hefty ban after being charged with intentional conduct, with severe impact and high contact. The premiership winner also was handed two fines totalling more than $4600, one for engaging in a melee and another for striking. Tom Lynch gets heated. Picture: Mark Stewart Lynch apologised to his teammates and had some sympathy from his coach, Adem Yze, but he was also told there were few excuses for his behaviour. 'He apologised to the group because he knew he let them down just by letting it spill over,' Yze said. '... he's been such a good player at this footy club for a long time. 'He's got white-line fever, and he wants to win.' 'I was going to address it, a couple of reverse free kicks, which was just pure frustration and showing that he cares,' Yze said. 'For him to talk to the group before I even had a chance to talk to them, and then almost put his heart on his sleeve in front of the group, was exactly why he's been the player that he is.' Lynch said the incident was the result of 'frustration' after being manhandled by Adelaide defenders in the mammoth loss. 'I didn't want to cause harm or anything like that. I was just trying to get free or whatever and frustration came out,' Lynch told Seven. 'Clearly … I gave away too many free kicks and it is not good enough as a leader. I thought we were playing pretty well in that second quarter and I pretty much stopped the momentum. Originally published as Richmond forward Tom Lynch has been sent straight to the tribunal for his haymaker at the MCG on Sunday
Daily Telegraph
an hour ago
- Daily Telegraph
Kevin Proctor breaks silence after being KO'd at RUNIT event by Jordan Simi in Dubai
Don't miss out on the headlines from Other Sports. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former NRL star Kevin Proctor has no regrets about taking part in RUNIT 02 in Dubai over the weekend, despite suffering a shocking knockout that has gone viral on social media. The 282 NRL game second rower came off second best after getting his head in the wrong position in an exhibition run it straight contest against former lower grade footy player turned social media influencer Jordan Simi. Footage of the hit showed the former Kiwis forward face-plant onto the astroturf with his arms and legs stiffening as medical personnel rush to him. Proctor was cleared by a doctor the morning after the event and is flying back to Australia. In his first comments since the event, Proctor thanked RUNIT organisers and admitted he got the hit wrong. 'Just want to say thank you to everyone that has messaged me to ask if I was alright,' Proctor wrote on Instagram before flying back to Australia. 'I'm all good. 'We all know what we sign up for getting in there. 'It's a contact sport and unfortunately I put my head in the wrong place and came out second best. 'Ya win some ya lose some ... but no hard feelings. Hats off to the bro. It is what it is. 'I got in there had a crack at least. 'I like to thank @ for having me! Still grateful to be apart of it and im sure you guys are only going to get bigger n bigger. 'Congrats to all the winners and organisation for putting on a great event. 'On my way back home now to see my darling, kids and family ... thanks again to everyone for the support.' Kevin Proctor's collision with Jordan Simi. Picture: Supplied/Instagram Simi – Proctor's opponent in the exhibition run it straight challenge – is sitting beside him in the Instagram post, and commented: 'Don't do that again yeahhhh. Got me in trouble with your mumsy. Love brother.' The Dubai event was the third high profile competition RUNIT has staged after similar contests in Melbourne and Auckland in May. The event had a massive prize pool, with first place leaving with $200,000, second place pocketing $50,000 and third place walking away with $25,000. A social media sensation, RUNIT has gone viral with clips of big hits and thunderous collisions spreading like wildfire on Instagram and TikTok. It has attracted a huge amount of criticism as well though, with dozens of CTE experts slamming it. Meanwhile the Warriors, New Zealadn Rugby League, Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Storm hav moved to distance themselves from the craze. Originally published as Former NRL star Kevin Proctor breaks silence after sickening KO by social media influencer at RUNIT event in Dubai
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Wests Tigers torched over player exists as Tallyn Da Silva defection confirmed
The Wests Tigers have been heavily criticised for their inability to retain talented young players following the departure of back-up hooker Tallyn Da Silva to Parramatta. Da Silva had been contracted at the Tigers until the end of 2026, but like Lachlan Galvin, the 20-year-old has left the Tigers with 18 months left on his deal. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. On Monday the Eels confirmed they had signed Da Silva effective immediately until the end of the 2029 season in a coup for coach Jason Ryles as he rebuilds Parramatta's roster. Da Silva's departure is the latest blow for the Tigers, who sit 14th on the NRL ladder and are desperate to avoid a fourth wooden spoon in a row. On NRL 360, veteran reporter Phil Rothfield said the list of promising young players to leave the Tigers was a damning indictment on the club. 'I'll name some players,' Rothfield said. 'Galvin, Da Silva, (Stefano) Utoikamanu, Shawn Blore, there was a schoolboy there — Onitoni Large. 'He broke his contract to get out of that club. Why have five outstanding young players in the last 12 months, all wanted out of the Wests Tigers? Five outstanding young footballers have walked out of their club. 'Have they given up on this season? What happens if Api gets hurt? Their two best youngsters have left that club. 'I have spoken to a lot of very good judges in the game who rate him very highly. That's why Manly, Newcastle and Parramatta wanted him.' Brent Read responded: 'He (Da Silva) is far from the finished product right now. He's a few years off. Api helps them win footy games. 'They were assured by Tallyn Da Silva and his parents that Tallyn wanted to stay at the club, but if Api re-signed, he would leave. Richo (Tigers boss Shane Richardson) was assured by his family that Tallyn's preference was to stay at the Tigers and be there long term.' Da Silva was behind Api Koroisau in the pecking order at the Tigers, but Rothfield said the Tigers should have been able to get Da Silva to at least see out his contract, highlighting the fact the Raiders and Broncos have several back-up hookers on their roster. 'The Canberra Raiders are leading the comp. They've got a kid called Owen Pattie, really good hooker but can't break into that first grade side, because (Tom) Starling is outstanding and they've even signed (Jayden) Brailey from Newcastle. 'He's happy prepared to buy into that system. 'How many hookers do the Broncos have? Are any of them lining up to get out now? Read hit back: 'Corey Paix doesn't have a contract for next year, so some of them are going.' Rothfield also hinted an inner 'circle' of Benji Marshall and co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai may have left some players feeling disgruntled. 'Have you heard the story that Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau are so tight with Benji Marshall — they've got that little circle of three — and there's a lot of younger players that don't feel part of that outfit. 'You know that was the situation with Galvin. I'm wondering if it had anything to do with these fellas as well. Read said 'I know Galvin felt a little bit locked out once they established this big three at the club.' Rothfield concluded: 'You know how highly regarded Onitoni Large is. He's the best schoolboy half going around. He didn't want a bar of the joint. I just think it's such a bad look when so much young talent all go.' Read said: 'I think Benji wanted Api and the club backed their coach.' The Tigers take on the Roosters on Sunday in round 16 and will be desperate to get a sixth win of the year. 'I hope Benji does finish strong,' Rothfield said. 'I think if they run last he'll probably lost his job. There are other people around like Willie Peters, who is breaking records over at Hull. He's coached at Newcastle and Souths and he's close to Shane Richardson. 'If they run last or even second last, they'll have to look at other options — not just for the way the football side is playing. That club needs to create an environment where people like Tallyn Da Silva and Lachlan Galvin want to play footy for the rest of their careers.' NRL 360 host Braith Anasta added: 'Amongst this drama and six losses in a row, they have got better. They are a much better team. But the next couple of months are critical.'
