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By Ray Hickson

We all know Ron Quinton is no stranger to preparing a talented horse and he’s quietly confident Rantan can develop into a handy one for his small stable later this year.

Trainer Ron Quinton. (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The filly will be rested and prepared for the spring after Saturday’s ATC Bookmaker Recognition Day Handicap (1100m) where she’ll attempt to back up her impressive debut win.

Quinton said there was a deal of expectation on Rantan going into her first start as she carried a small ‘boom’ and started odds-on following some eye-catching trial performances.

“Kerrin McEvoy rode her in both trials and he was very rapt in her last trial which was a pretty good trial,’’ Quinton said.

“So there was a huge rap put on her after those barrier trials. She went to Newcastle and got the job done.

“She gave them a nice start into the straight and ran them down to win.

“She’s a filly I really like and I think she’s going to make a lovely three-year-old. Whatever happens she’ll go to the paddock and be prepared for the spring.”

Rantan, $8 with TAB on Thursday, hardly did everything right on debut but was still able to prevail in the 900m scamper as she ran down Shall Be, who subsequently won at Newcastle this week.

Quinton hopes the youngster, a half-sister to Group 1 placed Gotta Kiss, can make some use of barrier two as there’ll be less margin for error in what looks a solid off-season two-year-old race.

“Tim Clark said on the day things didn’t pan out absolutely perfect for her, she gave them a good start and he was very happy with her,’’ Quinton said.

“If she can jump well and get balanced that’s the main thing.

“She’s a well bred filly and we’ve taken our time with her because her conformation isn’t perfect.

“From early on we’ve always had a bit of an opinion of her. We’re just hoping she can continue on.”

Consistent galloper Biographer seems to run the same race every time he steps out and Quinton would expect nothing less in the Midway Handicap (1100m).

The four-year-old hasn’t won since August but he’s a regular on the semaphore board and comes back to town after finishing second at Gosford on April 10 with Quinton thinking a firmer surface will be in his favour.

“He’ll run a creditable race again as he always does,’’ he said.

“He’s a good honest horse and most of the I Am Invincibles like the better ground.”

Smart Little Miss notched an overdue win two starts back at Hawkesbury before she found the 100m drop in distance against her at Gosford when midfield two weeks ago.

Rantan wins at Newcastle on April 3

Quinton said she’s a mare that does need things to go her way but if they do she’d be an each-way chance in the Dennis Jamieson Handicap (1300m).

“They ran her off her legs in the middle stages at Gosford, she’s a bit of a hit and miss job but she’s always capable of running well,’’ he said.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Rosehill meeting