Cliff Brown chases fourth Group 1 SA Derby success

A second look at the replay has saved Scintillante’s Group 1 aspirations, with trainer Cliff Brown confirming the colt will line up in Saturday’s South Australian Derby (2500m) after reconsidering a hasty decision made post-race last weekend.

Brown was initially disappointed by Scintillante’s performance in the Chairman’s Stakes (2000m), where the well-fancied runner beat only two home. But deeper analysis revealed the run had merit.

“He didn’t look good at first glance, but his closing sectionals were excellent, especially considering he was never in clear air,” Brown said.

Scintillante will now be ridden by Billy Egan, with Blake Shinn committed to Caulfield. Egan partnered Dunkel to win the Derby last year and brings valuable experience to the ride.

Brown, who has won the race three times previously, said the colt has recovered well from the run.

“He’s done everything right this week — light work, eating well, bloods are good. I’m confident he deserves his shot,” he said. “Hopefully Billy can position him a bit closer from the draw and give him a better crack.”

Scintillante was a strong third in the Port Adelaide Guineas earlier this prep, and a return to that form would make him a genuine contender on Saturday.