Scintillation was positioned close to the lead, took command in the early stages of the straight, and comfortably outpaced her competitors in the Marcellin College Randwick Handicap (1100m).
Master trainer John O’Shea informed Racing And Sports that Scintillation has fulfilled the initial phase of a long-term strategy.
“We decided some months ago to target this race and if she ran well then we will take her to Melbourne for the Group 3 $200,000 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield in three weeks,” said O’Shea, who trains in partnership with Tom Charlton.
“I’m not sure how she will go on racing the Melbourne direction so the Caulfield race will determine what we do with her in the spring.
“But she’s a very promising filly and it was good to see her get the job done today.”
Scintillation ($7.50) surged clear to win by three-quarters of a length from the rapidly closing Suasion ($18), with Lorax ($18) finishing a close third.
Letters Patent, the $2.80 favourite, was given every opportunity by jockey James McDonald but ultimately finished fifth.
The filly had two previous starts this season, winning on debut at Gosford before securing black type with a third placing behind Medicinal in the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes.
Should the O’Shea-Charlton filly achieve a stakes-level victory, she would become a highly valuable prospective broodmare, given her exceptional pedigree as a progeny of the champion sire I Am Invincible, out of his first foal from Minhaaj, a daughter of Exceed And Excel.
O’Shea previously trained Minhaaj to claim three Group 3 victories, including The Nivison in 2021.
Star young jockey Zac Lloyd anticipates a bright future for Scintillation following her commanding win.
“I might have got to the front too soon but she was always going to win,” Lloyd said.
“She was actually drawing away from them again on the line, she was very strong late in the race.
“But I think she is essentially a sprinter – she is bred to be a sprinter and is only going to improve with racing.”
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