Seafield Rose picked to win N.Z. Oaks

Press, 24 April 1979, Page 31

Seafield Rose picked to win N.Z. Oaks

Bv

G. K. YULE

♦k >4 Se 2 tie ld Rose, considered by many as being rather unlucky when a-/? Girl and Philippa Frost in the North Island Oaks on 1 4ni nave her chance to gain a worthwhile prize in the New Zealand Oaks at Addington Raceway tomorrow.

Two win Seafield Rose Will have to overcome an awkward second-line barrier draw of No. 13. but she has shown sufficient ability to achieve that. Raced bv the Parmellay syndicate, which comprises a group of Labour members of Parliament managed by Mr M. A. Connelly, Seafield Rose has been a model of consistency and she has raced with distinction against the colts and geldings too. Philippa Frost came back

in style when she beat all but the talented Speedy Girl at Alexandra Park on April 7. She started at Addington a week later and was a splendid sixth in the race won by Noble Conquest. Affluent has not raced since her fourth at Alexandra Park. She has drawn wide, but that might not be against her. However, she could be extended to match the southern challenger, Minllima, which has a big reputation in her home

I province. She has some I smart times to her credit I and even from the second i line, she will have admirers. Dame Bromac, Jersey Jan, ' Chadon Royal and Winning Lass are others capable of i adding interest to the finish. Ice Wise is the only cer- > tain starter on the front of > the second leg, the Army > Stakes, which looks to be a i race without a definite early , favourite. ; If Ice Wise can take adi vantage of a smart begin-

ning ‘and dictate the pace, he should take beating. He raced with distinction in the heats of the Inter-dominion Championship series last month and this is hardly as strong.

However, he will find it hard to beat Uncle Andrew, which has raced to good purpose in .recent weeks. Bronze Queen, too, will be in demand and there will be solid support, too, for Flaxton, Kathy Brigade, Tom Pepper and Idolmite.