While Sydney’s winter racing season tends to fly under the radar, it often unveils fresh talent destined for bigger spring contests. One such contender could be Puntin, a promising three-year-old from the Bjorn Baker yard who lines up in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill.

The son of Super Seth has notched up three wins and two seconds from five career starts, including a close runner-up finish when resuming at Canterbury over 1250m.

His earlier preparation started with a maiden victory at Nowra and wrapped up with a runner-up effort behind his highly regarded stablemate Point And Shoot at Randwick.

“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,” said Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton.

“His first-up run was fantastic over an unsuitable distance and steps up to 1400 on Saturday. He is a lovely horse.”

Hilton believes Puntin has the raw talent to progress through the grades and possibly earn a shot at spring features.

“What he showed us first preparation in terms of natural improvement and progression, it should see him step up to a nice class,” Hilton said.

In the Schweppes Handicap (1500m), stablemate Thunderlips will aim to continue his solid form with two wins and a second from his last three appearances.

Although those runs came on rain-affected tracks, Hilton is optimistic about Thunderlips handling firmer footing.

“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.”

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