by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — Sent off as the second choice at odds of 2-1, Classic Gent, driven by Doug McNair, is now undefeated in nine starts this season after capturing the C$37,000 Youthful final on Saturday evening (April 13) at Woodbine.

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Doug McNair piloted Classic Gent to his ninth win this season in the Youthful final.

The son of Blissfull Hall-Northern Jade increased his seasonal earnings to C$59,100 for trainer Stanley Malec, who operates Classic Farms.

Orillia Joe (Paul MacDonell) fired to the lead from post 10 and led his nine rivals past the opening quarter in :27. Classic Gent was still parked on the outside, but marched to the front well before the half in :56.

As Classic Gent passed three-quarters in 1:24.2, post time favorite Varadero Hanover (Sylvain Filion) was 5-1/4 lengths off the leader as they were positioned third-over.

Down the stretch, McNair asked his charge for more pace and Classic Gent opened up on his rivals as he outsprinted Varadero Hanover to score the win by 2-1/4 lengths. Glammit (Mike Saftic) finished third.

“Coming into the race, I wasn’t sure how it would shape out,” Malec said following the race. “Doug (McNair) drove him the same way he usually does and it worked out again tonight. I was fairly confident we’d get the job done turning for home and I couldn’t be happier.”

With the win, Classic Gent increased his career bankroll to C$76,960. He paid $6.10 to win.

Malec confirmed that Classic Gent’s next start will be in The Diplomat beginning on April 22 at the Rexdale oval.