Malakoff much the best in Marine

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Malakoff ($12.10) established himself as a major contender for the June 25 Queen's Plate Saturday at Woodbine, winning the Grade 3, $150,000 decisively under Todd Kabel.

Ok Nothanksforaskn set quick fractions in the 1 1/16-mile event for 3-year-olds while being pressed by the 3-5 favorite, Bear Character. Malakoff was about five lengths off the leaders in fourth early on before making a three-wide bid on the far turn. He swept past the leaders at the head of the stretch en route to a 7 1/4-length victory in a time of 1:46.

"This horse really surprised me today," said Kabel, who was also aboard for Malakoff's workmanlike graduation April 30. "When I broke his maiden, it was an all-out effort. I was expecting him to draw off, and he didn't."

In his stakes debut, Malakoff earned $90,000 for his owner, Stronach Stable, and trainer, Brian Lynch.

Ok Nothanksforaskn held second, finishing 2 1/4 lengths clear of a fading Bear Character.

There was no show wagering in the five-horse race.