by Greg Gangle for WEG
Toronto, ON — It’s safe to say that Doubledown Gass has certainly found his best stride in the latter part of the year, and owner/trainer/driver Reg Gassien can only hope that continues in the C$33,600 Autumn Stakes final, Friday at Woodbine.
The homebred son of Majestic Son has crafted a 3-2-0 record in his last five starts, including a victory and runner-up finish in both preliminary legs of the series.
“He’s certainly been a lot better towards the end of this year,” Gassien said from his home in Lindsey. “I’ve been leaving with him and he seems to like it that way. Earlier in the year, I was racing him from behind, but now we’re towards the end of the year, so I’ve been putting him in the race a lot more.”
Gassien admit that Doubledown Gass has been a bit of a surprise throughout his young career.
“He’s not the best trainer,” Gassien said of his trotter. “He didn’t really enjoy putting the work in until we started schooling him behind the gate and qualifying him. Then he appeared to get a little more interested and progressed from there.”
Doubledown Gass has done just that as he’s banked $59,948 in his career with $50,616 coming this season along with five wins.
Looking ahead to the final, Gassien can only hope that his young trotter’s top form continues.
“We drew post seven, but it could be worse,” Gassien said. “He’s very versatile and last week was the first time he was on a seven-day rotation in a while, so I think he’ll be even tighter this week.”
Following Friday evening, Doubledown Gass will receive a well-deserved rest in preparation for his 4-year-old campaign.
“He’s very laid back and easy on himself,” he said. “He’s very quiet at home on the farm, but he knows when it’s race day when he gets to the track. He’ll get six to eight weeks off in the field and then get ready for next year.”
Gassien will guide Doubledown Gass from post seven in race five on Friday evening.
The field will line up as follows:
1. Mo Dhabi
2. Randon Dynasty
3. Lets Leavem
4. Sir William
5. Popeda
6. Friend Or Foe
7. Doubledown Gass
8. Pretty Boy
9. Alexander Lukas
10. Rock Of Cashel
All four Autumn Series finals for sophomores of both gates and sexes will highlight the Friday program.
The other finals will line up as follows.
Race 2 – CPurse: $33,600
3-year-old Trotting Fillies
1. Be Winnin
2. I Like My Kaddy
3. Fathers Amiga
4. Alluring K
5. Magic Peach
6. Ocean Mist Beauty
7. Samira Hanover
8. Hunter Valley
9. Katla
10. Candida
Race 6 – Purse: C$35,300
3-year-old Pacing Fillies
1. Lyonssweetie
2. Lutetia Semalu
3. Stonebridge Adore
4. Machnbyrd Princess
5. Panstakingly
6. Putmeintogo
7. Parade Route
8. Cams Macharena
9. Call It Courage
10. Mach It A Par
Race 8 – Purse: C$34,700
3-year-old Colt Pacers
1. Lyonsparkhavenlake
2. Ja El Pocketrocket
3. Southwind Amazon
4. Alexas Jackpot
5. Grantor Hanover
6. Thorn In Your Side
7. Sea Harrier
8. Tauranga
9. Trys Little Prince
10. Greystone Moe