CAMPBELLVILLE, ON — Ultra-consistent Classic Lavec has gradually been developing into a top flight trotting colt this season, so Ontario Sires Stakes watchers were not surprised when the two-year-old captured his first $130,000 Gold Final at Mohawk Racetrack on Monday evening.
“It’s awesome, just awesome to have one like this,” said owner-breeder Stan Malec after the gelding’s 1:57.3 romp around the Mohawk oval.
Leaving from Post 7 driver Paul MacDonell displayed his confidence in the Mr Lavec son early, sending him three wide at the quarter pole to take control of the race. By the time the pair reached the halfway mark they were one and three-quarter lengths ahead of the field and that margin simply lengthened as Classic Lavec swept under the wire two and a half lengths ahead of Stonebridge Diablo. Freewheel Hanover was another three lengths back in third.
“He really hasn’t been tested. We really didn’t know his speed,” said Belle River resident Malec. “I felt last week that he could be in the 1:58 mark. I’m pleasantly surprised for tonight.”
Classic Lavec and Stonebridge Diablo, owned by trainer Ron Waples, Jr. of Fergus, driver Randy Waples of Milton, Dr. Sheila Atmore of Fergus and Alan Kirschenbaum of Burbank, CA, were elimination winners last week, along with reigning Gold Final champ Mill Work. Mill Work, owned by Rick Zeron Stables of Oakville, Leonard Tucker and Gestion Charest Ltee. of Montreal, QC and 9131 5929 Quebec Inc. of Lachenaie, QC, made a break and finished eighth. Favourite Feeling Frazzled also made an early miscue and was never a factor in the mile.
Heading into last week’s elimination Malec and trainer Albert White were slightly concerned about Classic Lavec’s fitness level. The gelding had not raced since the Aug. 27 Gold Final at Rideau Carleton Raceway and the pair had been working during the interval to straighten out a problem with one of the young trotter’s feet.
“We were a little worried. We were trying to get another start into him and he had a foot problem that we took care of,” says Malec. “But Paul (MacDonell) did an excellent job last week, as well as this week.”
In spite of their concern Classic Lavec posted a personal best 1:59.4 in last week’s elimination round and then blew a full two seconds off it with Monday’s triumph.
Prior to Classic Lavec’s arrival, Malec had raised two other foals from broodmare Prima — $74,366 winner Heza Classic and 1:57 trotter Classic Commotion — but the breeder says he knew their half-sibling was different as soon as he drove the trotter as a yearling.
“I’ve had two other ones by the mare and the first time I sat behind him there was a difference,” he recalls. “He just had the thrust from his back. It was like driving a Cadillac compared to the other two.”
Classic Lavec and his peers will head to Flamboro Downs for the last Gold Series event of their season on Oct. 30 and Nov. 5, then the top 10 point earners will compete in the $300,000 Super Final at Woodbine Racetrack on Nov. 13.