Sea Swift impresses at Woodville

Press, 13 March 1987, Page 25

Sea Swift impresses at Woodville

Special correspondent Palmerston North

Ashburton visitor, Sea Swift, looked at peak fitness at Woodville yesterday when she ran her final trial for the Chalmers Stakes at Trentham tomorrow. Most fast work took place on the middle of the course proper, which was cutting out. The plough was wet, but able to be used for easy gallops. Sea Swift built up speed from the 800 metres, clocking 51.35, the last 600 in 36.55. The Auk mare, winner of 11 races, will be ridden again by Chris Johnson tomorrow. Sea Swift finished fast for third on the first day of the meeting and the 2400 metres should suit her more than most this week. She has won the Invercargill Gold Cup (2600 m for the last two years, and two starts back was an easy winner over 2400 at Wingatui.

Race rival Secret Seal

finished five lengths ahead of Palliser over 1400 metres. They ran the last 1200 in 1:19.9, and 600 in 39.15.

Secret Seal is a lightweight hope in the Chalmers. Palliser was not impressive but this is nothing new for him on the track. He still remains a top prospect in the Wellington Championship Stakes.

Curwen Bay impressed more in his final trial for the three-year-old event. He worked over a full round, taking 1:17.8 for the last 1200. He was joined by Petinga Lad near the 1000 and they ran the last 600 together in 38.85.

Nymphe Noire ran the last 600 of her work in 38.85, and Bashful Lad and Delpic took 36.7 s for 600. Bashful Lad is very promising and may be the main threat to Heavenly View in the DB Draught Handicap tomorrow.

Strone and Moderation ran 1200 in 1:18.5, the last 600 in. 39.25. Strone has

pleased Scott Hammersley and will start in the Paremata Handicap. Moderation, a stablemate of Sea Swift, should shine again in the Protective Coatings Handicap.

Star Pride and Olliver’s Dream ran 1200 in 1:19.45. They went faster early, and completed the final 600 in 42.25. Star Pride is fit for the Eastbourne Handicap, in which she has a wide draw.

On the plough, Phareef finished off 1000 metres with 600 in 39.65, Oh Kitty clocked 42s for 600 m, while Legs Ahead and Chorus Girl took 40.4 s and Late Mail ran 600 in 38.55. Beraadino is a doubtful starter in the Valley Handicap at Trentham according to trainer Bruce Marsh.