Canterbury preview: Signor Tortoni to add to long partnership
A working relationship stretching back six decades is still fruitful for Ron Quinton and the Tait family that can land further success with the promising Signor Tortoni.
Quinton career as a jockey netted winners for the Tait's including a Canterbury win on two-year-old Baguette against open age sprinters before he won the Golden Slipper in 1970.
'I certainly go back a long way with the Tait family,' said Quinton.
'I rode for Sandy and Kathy Tait and his sister, Jill Nivison. I also rode for their parents (Griff and Daisy).
'They are great racing people and it is a pleasure to train for them.'
Sandy Tait and Jill Nivison bred and race Signor Tortoni who is from a half-sister to their champion galloper, Tie The Knot.
Trainer Ron Quinton saddles up two favourites at Canterbury on Wednesday. Picture: Getty Images
Signor Tortoni is also a half-brother to the stakes winner Cherry Tortoni and Wings Of Song.
The gelding has shown Quinton that he possess his share of ability, placing runner-up in three of his first four starts before breaking his maiden at Gosford with a four length win from Justice Warrior.
'It was a very good win. The only thing that surprised me is that I thought he would have broken through before that,' Quinton said.
'Anyway, he has done it now and let's hope he can go on with it.'
The son of Too Darn Hot is favourite to make it back-to-back win in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) with Jason Collett aboard.
'His gallops at home have always been good and we thought he might develop into a really nice horse. Hopefully that might still be the case,' he said.
'He is still lightly-raced and the family does get better with time. I certainly hope the best is still to come with him.'
Quinton's other runner is Bryant who is favourite in the TAB Handicap (1200m).
The two-year-old son of Brutal resumed with a handy fourth to Miss Freelove at Canterbury in April before aa second to the progressive Raging Force on the Kensington on June 25.
'He is a horse who has got a bit of talent as well,' Quinton said.
'It was a handy effort last start behind a horse who came out and won again impressively at Rosehill last Saturday.
'I have said all along he will be a much better three-year-old so it's nice to see him showing what he is at this stage.'
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