“I’ve never had a horse like him. He’s such a gentleman, when you bring him into the paddock, he’s like an old horse. He’s terrific to drive, always minds his manners and he just wants to please you.”

The first round of the Youthful Series takes place this Monday at Woodbine and Classic Gent will look to keep his winning streak in tact.

The homebred son of Blissful Hall-Northern Jade remains undefeated in six starts this season for trainer Stan Malec, who owns Classic Farms in Belle River.

All six of Classic Gent’s starts this season have been at Western Fair in London, and one particular race remains special to Malec’s eye.

“Two starts ago, I thought we were too far back and he was able to get up and score the win by a nose,” he said. “I thought we had no shot and the winning streak was over, but he found a way to win.”

The bay colt raced six times last season with a pair of wins before receiving some time away from the track.

“He ended up getting sick on us, so we decided to shut him down and get him ready as a three-year-old. So far it’s paid off really well," said Malec. “He’s such a versatile horse, especially for how lightly raced he is. He can race on the front or from behind. Personally, I think he’s better off a helmet. He’s just a professional and all business.”

Monday will mark Classic Gent’s first start at Woodbine as he takes on eight rivals in the second of two $18,000 divisions.

“I think he’ll do really well in the series,” Malec said. “He’s coming into the race in great shape. I would like to of had a start at Woodbine before the series, but he got a little sore on us, so we had to get him back one hundred percent.”

In his career, Classic Gent has crafted a handsome 8-0-0 record from 12 starts and $40,460 in earnings.

The Youthful is for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings who are non-winners of three races or $15,000 in 2012.

The second leg of the series is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, with the $30,000 final slated for Saturday, April 13.

Following the series, Classic Gent remains eligible to The Diplomat, which begins on April 22 at Woodbine.

To view entries for Monday's card of harness racing at Woodbine, click the following link: Monday Entries - Woodbine Racetrack.

(WEG)