Scintillate was a dark-coated bay mare with a white star[2] bred by the Fonthill Stud in Wiltshire which was managed by James Ian Morrison, the filly's owner throughout her racing career.

Scintillate was the fifth foal of the outstanding broodmare Set Free who had previously produced the classic winners Juliette Marny (Oaks) and Julio Mariner (St Leger Stakes).

In a slowly run race, she took the lead a furlong from the finish and won by half a length and a neck from Crystal Queen and Untitled.

The leading contenders included L'Ile du Reve who had won the Cheshire Oaks by seven lengths, Godetia (Irish 1,000 Guineas), Just A Game and Rimosa's Pet (Musidora Stakes).

Ridden by Pat Eddery, Scintillate was towards the back of the field in the early stages but was always going well, in contrast to several of the fancied horses, who were clearly struggling to cope with the conditions.

[7] After a break of more than two months, Scintillate reappeared in the Virginia Stakes over ten furlongs at Newcastle Racecourse in August and ran very disappointingly, finishing last of the five runners behind Abbeydale.