Minilima humbles field in New Zealand Oaks

Press, 26 April 1979, Page 29

Minilima humbles field in New Zealand Oaks

Bv

G. K. YULE

Ihe fine Southland filly, Minilima. humbled her previously more highly rated Canterbury rivals in the $13,000 Nexx Zealand Oaks at Addington Raceway last evening. Shona Way, from Balclutha, took second from a long-shot, Miss Coquette.

Minilima began safelj from the second line am improved to second befort the 1600 m. She led for i brief period near the 1400 n but 'Utrendered it soon aftei VT’Shon* Way. .‘Shona Way sprinted out tri a lead of three length: '4th 950 m to run anc Minilima was under pressure to hold her position. Shona Way was still clear turning for home, with Minilima gradually moving up to her Shona Way went off-stride when Robert Cameror flicked her with the whip near the 100 m and Minilima came on to win bv three lengths and a half' in the smart time of 3min 26.4 s for the 2600 m. Shona Way held seconc by a length and a half frorr Miss Coquette which, like the winner, was sired by Gaines Minbar. Philippa Frost, which broke briefly just after the start, had her chance anc fourth was the best she could manage, clear oi Seafield Rose, which was it trouble early. However, het driver, Doug Mangos, saic she did not fee! to be pacirj frdcly over the last round. Winning Lass, an early breaker, was next, ahead o Tibbie’s Dream, whicl walked off at the start .Minilima. which has now had nine starts for foui wins and three piacings, is raced by her Invercargil trainer. Colin Swain. She is by Gaines Minbar fron Beautilima, a Hal Try a: mare which has left i number of winners including Sam's Smile. She was driven by Charlit Franks, a Mataura farrier who drove Robin Dundee t< win the Oaks in 1960. Hi: only' other driy'e in the raci was behind Ley's Pride which finished fifth. Minilima is eligible foi the final of the DB series t< be run at Alexandra Pari next month. She has alst been entered for th. Metropolitan Club’s meeting on Saturday week. Worthy Lord, favourer with a splendid run threi back on the rails for mud of the way, fought on bes for a win in the Arm; Handicap. .lack Smolensk had the Central Otago owned five-year-old goin; well throughout and hi responded well over thi

final stages to win by a length and a quarter Ice Wise, after leading and then tracking Main Star from the 1700 m. had to be switched from the rails to three wide to challenge He

did not work clear until inside the last 70m and did well to nose Tom Pepper out of second on the post. There was merit in Torn Pepper's placing as he lost ground at the start. He yvas

: two lengths in front of lain Star, with a head to Flaxton, which made up ground. The favourite. Bronze Queen was nexi after making one of her better beginnings'.