Rejuvenated galloper Knock Off proved too tough for his rivals in the Trentham mud as he dominated proceedings from the front to capture the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m) on Saturday.
Trainer Gerard Cvitanovich has played the patient game with the seven-year-old and is now reaping the rewards, with the son of Fabulous finally living up to the promise he showed earlier in his career.
Rider Leah Hemi took the bull by the horns from barrier rise and set up a steady pace in front. Approaching the home turn she had Knock Off travelling sweetly and when she asked him to go rounding the home bend, he bounded four lengths clear.
Dubai’s Potiki chased hard from the top of the straight but couldn’t close in the final 100m, while quality mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb showed her first glimpse of form in a new campaign with a gallant third.
Cvitanovich admitted he wasn’t sure how his charge would handle the testing track conditions and was delighted to see him cope as well as he did.
“We didn’t know how he would handle the track, but he deserved it (the victory),” Cvitanovich said. “Once the tracks began to suit him, he has come right. He is an enjoyable horse to have and is a joy to work with.
“It’s great to have everyone (the family) in him and this is just great.”
Knock Off has now won six of his 19 starts and has earned more than $203,000 in prizemoney for the Cvitanovich family, who own him.
Earlier on the card, promising gelding Vantage Point kicked off his path towards the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November with a comprehensive victory in a three-year-old 1200m contest.
The leggy son of Vanbrugh jumped well in the five-horse field and dictated proceedings for rider Matt Cameron before easing clear to win handsomely on the Heavy10 surface.
Trainer Cody Cole was pleased to see his charge return to winning fashion and is looking forward to him stretching out further in this campaign.
“He has been working well and his jumpout was super,” Cole said. “He has a real will to do it and is only going to go further.
“That will take the freshness out of him, and he can step up to 1400m next time comfortably as he has plenty of upside.”
Vantage Point is the first foal out of Turn Me Loose mare Shining Peak and comes from an extended family that includes multiple Australian stakes winners Centennial Park and Ballack. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
