An Irish-bred and raced import is on target for two Group One features, provided New Zealand’s spring weather turns in her favour.

The Sir Peter Vela-owned Scintillula has been entered for both the Windsor Park Plate and Spring Classic with the latter event on October 4 considered to be the Galileo mare’s best chance.

“The 2000 metre race is going to be the one that she’s ideally-suited to,” Sir Peter’s racing manager Garry Cossey said.

“Everything she has done so far has pleased Sheila (Laxon), but she does need a good track to operate on and we won’t be pushing any buttons on bad tracks.

“She is very weather-orientated and she could trial at Te Teko. We would definitely look to race her before the Group Ones and the open mile on the first day at Hastings would be great and probably the first port of call if the track’s okay.”

Scintillula was formerly trained in Ireland by the respected Jim Bolger, who also bred and part-owned the sister to his Group One performers Cuis Ghaire, Gile Na Greine and Claiomh Solais.

Bolger has guided the careers of numerous multiple Group One winners, including Alexander Goldrun, Teofilo, Dawn Approach, New Approach, Finsceal Beo, Park Appeal and Lush Lashes.

Scintillula won her maiden at Leopardstown and three runs later claimed the Gr.3 Meld Stakes over 1800 metres.

She subsequently ran fourth behind The Fugue in the Gr.1 Yorkshire Oaks and finished third in the Gr.3 Lavarack Stakes in her final appearance last September.

“Sir Peter purchased her after she last raced and if she can bring that sort of form here, then we’re pretty confident she will be competitive,” Cossey said.

– NZ Racing Desk.