The second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, celebrated its 75th running on Sunday at Fort Erie Racetrack, across the Niagara River from Buffalo, NY. A field of 7 Canadian-foaled 3-year-olds contested this 1 3/16 mile main track feature under sunny skies with temperatures in the 70's. Queen's Plate winner Big Red Mike was sent off as the 9-10 favorite off 2 straight stakes wins starting with the Plate Trial. In to challenge him included 2-1 second choice Hotep, runner-up in both the Marine and the Plate Trial after winning the Wando Stakes, and 8-1 third choice Captain Canuck. Fifth in the Plate Trial last out.
Big Red Mike, Mobil Unit and Golden Moka battled for the lead first time past the stands and around the clubhouse turn through a 1/4 in 23.97. Entering the backstretch, Mobil Unit took over through a 1/2 in 47.12, while Golden Moka pressed the pace from the rail. Big Red Mike sat in third another 1 1/2 lengths behind. Mobil Unit continued to lead into the stretch through 3/4 in 1:11.54 and 1 mile in 1:36.84 over the fast track, but Golden Moka came through on the inside to take over the lead at the 1/8 pole. Golden Moka drew off to win by 2 3/4 lengths over Mobil Unit in 1:56.45. It was another length back to Big Red Mike third.
