Handy win for Knock Off at Hastings

Lightly raced galloper Knock Off (NZ) (Fabulous) returned to his best with a dominant victory in the Charlie Whyte Open Mile (1600m) at Hastings on Saturday.

The Gerard Cvitanovich-prepared seven-year-old had opened his latest campaign with a pair of below par showings before improving markedly to finish second to Benefactor (NZ) (Contributer) at Otaki over 1600m at his most recent run.

Benefactor was amongst his rivals again on Saturday and tracked Knock Off throughout as the eventual winner set up terms to suit himself in front.

The pair crept way on the home bend and looked to have the race to themselves as they set down to fight out the finish.

Knock Off found plenty under the urgings of rider Leah Hemi and moved clear in the final 100m to win handsomely by nearly two lengths from Benefactor, with The Entertainer (NZ) (Staphanos) in third just ahead of the eye-catching late charge by Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Manzor Blue (NZ) (Almanzor).

Cvitanovich was a happy man as he waited for his charge to make his way back to the winners’ enclosure.

“Luck’s been the other way for him this year as we had it all the right way the first year,” Cvitanovich said.

“He did well today, but it wasn’t the plan (to lead) as we talked about what other options we had, but if you’re in front you have to go.

“He can gallop and is pretty good. We will push on with the wet tracks around, but you wouldn’t know this year which way the weather will go.”

Knock Off has now won five of his 18 starts and has earned more than $146,000 in prizemoney for the Cvitanovich family, who race him.