Puntin dances his way to Randwick
New Zealand-bred gelding Puntin (NZ) (Super Seth) has earned himself a shot at a major payday after securing eligibility for the A$3 million Listed Big Dance (1600m) with victory in Sunday’s Dubbo Gold Cup (1600m).
A model of consistency in Saturday Benchmark 78 company in Sydney, the Bjorn Baker-trained five-year-old was sent to the country for the A$150,000 feature, with the race carrying eligibility for the Big Dance at Randwick on November 3.
Punters expected Puntin to make the most of the opportunity and he duly delivered as favourite under Adam Farragher.
Farragher took the son of Super Seth straight to the front and controlled proceedings throughout before Puntin kicked strongly in the straight to score by a length and a half.
The victory continued an excellent return on investment for connections, with Puntin having been secured for just $60,000 from Haunui Farm’s Book 1 draft at the Karaka Yearling Sales.
Bjorn Baker Racing and Clarke Bloodstock combined to purchase the gelding, who has now won five of his 18 starts and been placed on another seven occasions, with his career earnings climbing beyond A$400,000.
The Listed Big Dance, worth A$3 million, will be run over 1600m on November 3 and is restricted to horses that have earned eligibility through designated country cups across New South Wales.
