Most Kiwis are dreading seeing the mercury levels drop in their thermometers as the country heads into the cooler months, but Wanganui trainer Gerard Cvitanovich is rubbing his hands together with glee.
His stable star Knock Off (NZ) (Fabulous) thrives during winter racing, highlighted by his deeds last year where he posted three wins and two placings from five starts, including a runner-up effort in the Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m).
“He is happy over winter, he had a good winter last year,” Cvitanovich said.
Cvitanovich is hoping his homebred son of Fabulous is in for a similar preparation this year, which will kick off at his home track on Saturday in the Shane Stone Builders Open 1340, where he will be ridden for the first time by Merena Hudson.
Cvitanovich has been pleased with his progression ahead of his first-up assignment and said he will make further plans with his gelding after Saturday’s run.
“He seems well. He went to the jumpouts on Tuesday where he just went nice and quietly,” Cvitanovich said.
“It’s nice having a race like that right here, so we thought it would be a good time to have a go.
“We haven’t got too excited yet. We are just waiting for winter to come really and are just getting him ready, but he seems a happy horse.”
Bred by Cvitanovich’s son, Nick, Knock Off is out of winning Rusty Spur mare Princess Nicole (NZ). Cvitanovich has bred just one other sibling out of the mare, a two-year-old full-sister who he is hoping can follow a similar path.
Knock Off has become a sentimental favourite for Cvitanovich after becoming his first winner in over two decades when winning his maiden race two years ago.
He has now won four and placed in four of his 12 starts to date and has earned more than $107,000 in prizemoney.
Knock Off will carry 59kg from barrier seven on Saturday and has been installed a $13 outsider with TAB bookmakers in a market headed by last start winner Ma Te Wa (NZ) (Time Test) ($1.90).