Uncaptured Takes the Prince of Wales Stakes

Uncaptured took the lead in mid-stretch and never looked back to take the 78th edition of the Prince of Wales in front of a jam packed, loud and enthusiastic crowd at Fort Erie Race Track.

It was the first win of 2013 for Canada’s reigning Horse of the Year, who was guided to the one-length victory by Miguel Mena for trainer Mark Casse and owner John Oxley.

River Seven was second and Niigon’s Glory was third, beaten 5 ½ lengths.

The running time for 1 3/16 miles was 1:55.49.

Power Phil, who finished fifth, took the early lead through an opening quarter of 24.15 seconds with Uncaptured a surprising fifth at the first call. River Seven took over the lead soon after through a half-mile in 49.42 seconds with Uncaptured still near the back of the pack however, jockey Miguel Mena seemed quite at ease.

Mena relayed after the race, in a post race scrum, that he thought he had it won early. “I thought we’d be closer to the pace but he was just galloping along. When I asked him at the half-mile pole, I knew it was over then.”

Although Mena seemed confident and relaxed, Casse wasn’t. “I was very surprised. I was shocked. Going down the backside I kept saying to myself, ‘he really likes the dirt.’ I just wished Miguel would have told me.”

Around the turn, with rivals Jagger M and Niigon’s Glory making bids, Mena had to take Uncaptured five wide to make his run to the front and he did so with ease, with Uncaptured gliding to the lead and drawing off to his sixth career stakes score.

While Casse suspects Uncaptured won’t start in the Travers Stakes, the sport’s marquee mid-summer event, set for Saratoga on August 24. “That’s a toughie. I’m going where Verrazano (impressive winner of the Haskell Stakes on Sunday) isn’t, but I will say for sure that his next start will be on dirt.”

Photo courtesy Michael Burns Photography

Eurico Rosa da Silva was pleased with River Seven’s effort. “We were really pressed into the second turn, but my horse ran very bravely and ran a good race. I can't complain."

Steven Bahen, who rode Niigon's Glory, was impressed by the winner, "he ran by us like we were standing. He's a nice horse and that's why he was Horse of the Year."

Midnight Aria, who won the Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the Triple Crown held at Woodbine didn’t compete in the Prince of Wales. The Breeders’ Stakes, third and turf jewel of the three race series, is set for Woodbine on August 18.

Uncaptured picked up a $300,000 payday to bring his career bankroll to $959,525.

Uncaptured paid $2.90, $2.20, $2.10 across the board and combined with River Seven ($4, $3.40) for a $9.40 exactor. Niigon’s Glory ($4.50) wrapped up a $46.30 triactor.

The total bet for the prestigious event was $1,322,764 up from $1,158,497 which was bet in 2012.

Elissa Blowe
Media & Marketing Manager
1-800-295-3770 ext. 3204
e-mail: femedia@forterieracetrack.ca