Ron Quinton will be aiming for his third victory in the Millie Fox Stakes on Saturday with the improving Watch My Girl.
The race holds special meaning for Quinton, who trained for the race’s namesake, Millie Fox, in the latter years of her life. Millie Fox, the widow of prominent owner Stan Fox, carried on his legacy after his sudden death in the 1970s by continuing to race horses until her passing in 1999. Quinton, a former star jockey, was in the early stages of his training career when Fox entrusted him with her thoroughbreds.
Although Quinton didn’t win the race in its inaugural years with one of Fox’s horses, he eventually secured the title in 1999 with Wynciti and again in 2018 with Daysee Doom.
Now, Quinton will saddle up Watch My Girl. While she may not possess the class of his past winners, Quinton says her biggest strength is her determination. “She keeps at it and keeps going, and she is tough,” he said. “If it comes down to a struggle, she will be in for the fight.”
Watch My Girl has drawn barrier two in the nine-horse field. With Jason Collett committed to rival Firestorm, Quinton has kept it in the family by booking Collett’s sister Alysha for the ride. The filly has five wins from 12 starts and was only beaten just over three lengths in the black-type Angst Stakes last spring.