The Millie Fox Stakes holds significant meaning for Ron Quinton, who is aiming for his third victory in the fillies and mares’ feature with the improving Watch My Girl.

Quinton trained for the race’s namesake, Millie Fox, during the final years of her life. Millie Fox continued the legacy of her late husband, prominent owner Stan, after his sudden death in the mid-1970s by continuing to race a string of horses until her own passing in 1999.

A former champion jockey, Quinton was just beginning his training career when Millie Fox entrusted him with conditioning her thoroughbred team.

When the race was named in her honor 29 years ago, Quinton hoped to repay Fox’s faith by winning one of the inaugural editions with a mare that she owned.

However, that victory eluded him.

“I had those good mares for her, Amber and Timeless Winds, and I was trying my heart out to win the Millie Fox for her with one of hers,” Quinton said.

“I didn’t win it with one of hers, but I ended up winning it with one of my others.”

Quinton’s breakthrough came with Wynciti in 1999, followed by Daysee Doom in 2018.

This Saturday, Quinton will saddle Watch My Girl, and although she may not be as accomplished as his previous winners, he believes her biggest strength lies in her determination.

“The only thing that will stop her from being a really nice filly is she hasn’t got great acceleration,” Quinton said.

“She keeps at it and keeps going… And she is tough. If it comes down to a struggle, she will be in for the fight and she should be able to have a good run in the race from the alley.”

Watch My Girl has drawn barrier two in a field of nine, and with regular jockey Jason Collett committed to rival Firestorm, Quinton has kept it in the family by booking Collett’s sister, Alysha, for the ride.

With a solid record of five wins from 12 starts, Watch My Girl was beaten by just over three lengths in her only black-type race, the Angst Stakes, during the spring.