Ron Quinton entrusts apprentice Siena Grima for The Hunter bid

A potential $1 million prize in The Hunter at Newcastle presents an interesting collaboration between trainer Ron Quinton and apprentice jockey Siena Grima, a pairing that might yield unexpected success.

Grima, currently indentured to prominent trainer Chris Waller, is slated to ride Signor Tortoni for Quinton for just the second time in Saturday's 1300-metre feature race.

Quinton, a former champion jockey, has a proven track record of mentoring apprentices who have gone on to achieve considerable riding success, such as Hugh Bowman and Sam Clipperton.

Despite Grima not being formally apprenticed to him, Quinton's willingness to engage her for a high-stakes race indicates his belief in her capabilities.

The trainer expressed his admiration for Sydney's current champion apprentice, noting her skill as a "winner rider".

"She had one ride for me the other day and I said to her before the race, 'they tell me you can win on anything. Give it a crack'," Quinton shared. "She rode a horse that probably didn't have much chance and only got beaten a length or so. I said to her afterwards, 'I'll give you a ride another day after that'. She's champion apprentice. She's won a Group One, and she wins regularly, That's all you need."

Signor Tortoni’s recent form includes a close second to Polyglot in the Choisir Handicap (1100m) at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day.

Before that, the horse finished in the latter half of the field in the Sydney Stakes, and has only secured a placing once in his previous starts over the 1300-metre distance of The Hunter.

The draw presents a challenge, with an initial barrier of 13, though this could shift to 10 if all emergencies are scratched.

"He's in good order. He's up to 1300 and I've been dying to give him a crack at 1300," stated Quinton. "There might be strong tempo because you're going to have sixteen runners and with the 1300-metre start - the 1200 at Newcastle is diabolical, and the 1300 is only an extra 100 metres - it's going to be pretty competitive going to that first corner."

Signor Tortoni has been carrying substantial weights, between 58 and 60kg, in his last three races. However, he will now race under the 53kg limit in The Hunter. Quinton believes this weight reduction will be a significant factor.

"He's been carrying big weights every time he runs," he said. "Some people think that over sprint distances, it doesn't matter about weight, but I believe they can carry a lighter weight easier. He's up to a 95 rater now and it makes it hard to place them. And they never drop them, they always put them up. And he's consistent. He's paid for his consistency. But Saturday, he might be a chance."

Punters looking to get involved can check out the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.