Gary ‘Crafty’ Cleeve keeps on breeding along successful staying blood lines. That translates into a fair amount of success for his breeding programs in NZRS finals.
Pictured: Know Worth stylishly winning Thursday’s NZRS Distance final (pic Dave Robbie)
His latest success came in Thursday’s Nina’s Girl NZRS Distance final where his stayer Know Worth delivered an emphatic victory when she dictated terms to her opponents for the greater majority of the trip over the Addington 732m journey.
Know Worth worked her way around her rivals to secure the race lead when turning into the home straight on the first occasion. From there this daughter of Scotexcited and Know Spirit turned the $11,000 event into a procession which saw her completing her assignment in 44.22s, scoring by a convincing seven length margin. For Cleeve it was a sense of satisfaction with Know Worth improving from her third placing from last year’s NZRS Distance decider.
The race favourite Goldstar Jagger had settled in the midfield from where this son of Know Peace and Forever Loyal steadily improved his field position throughout for his trainers Steve and Bonnie Evans. He did a great job doing so which led to his runners up position.
The Ashley Bradshaw prepared Long Stockings finished second behind Shandell in last year’s edition of this race. The daughter of Bit Chili and Nina’s Girl raced in a forward position all the way and she kicked on stoutly during the run home to claim third, a further two lengths behind.
“Yes, I was very pleased with the result. Know Worth is a natural wide runner. She was presented with run in clear air on the outer of the others where she wanted to be. From there I was pleased when watching her working her way forward to grab a break on the field. She kept on rolling along in front and that was it,” said Cleeve, who added, “There’s another NZRS Distance final at Hatrick next moth so I’ll probably take her up there.”
Know Worth has been hardy campaigner for Cleeve and his partner Gaylene Turnwald. She has attended the races on 111 occasions, resulting in 14 wins and 33 minor placings which adds up to $41,020 in stake earnings (excluding Breeders’ bonus payments).
