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 $33,600 Autumn Stakes final, Friday at Woodbine Racetrack.

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, Ont. “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 $61,863 in his career with $52,663 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 7, 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 four-year-old campaign.

“He’s very laid back and easy on himself,” Gassien 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 in Race 5 on Friday evening.

To view the harness racing entries for Friday at Woodbine, click the following link: Friday Entries – Woodbine Racetrack.

(WEG)