Vitality surged from mid-pack with a sweeping move on the final turn to claim a stunning four-length upset in Tuesday’s Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie. Ridden by José Campos, the gelding took control in the homestretch to win the 1 3/16-mile race on dirt, which carried a purse of US$293,375.
A homebred for Stronach Stables, Vitality (9-1), sired by Street Boss, became the 13th different horse to win the last 13 editions of the Canadian Triple Crown. This victory came after a sixth-place finish in last month’s King’s Plate, the first leg of the series for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds. Notably, Caitlinhergrtness, winner of the King’s Plate on Woodbine's synthetic track, did not participate in the Prince of Wales.
Trained by Harold Ladouceur, Vitality broke from post 2 in a field of 10, settling into fifth along the rail. Early race leader Airosa (6-1), a filly with stakes-winning credentials, set the pace through initial fractions of 23.22, 47.19, and 1:11.40, with Wyoming Bill (16-1) in close pursuit.
As the race unfolded, Campos made his move, guiding Vitality six-wide on the turn for home. After overtaking Wyoming Bill, Vitality surged towards Airosa, who led through a mile in 1:36.40. The two horses were neck and neck at the eighth pole before Vitality pulled ahead with a strong finish.
The final time was 1:55.72 on a fast track. Vitality paid $20.10 to win, $8.60 to place, and $5.50 to show. Airosa finished second, returning $8.20 and $7.20, while Bedard (6-1), a maiden gelding, claimed third, paying $5.40. Passioned rounded out the top four.
Wyoming Bill, Pierre (7-1), Midnight Mascot (7-2), Jokestar (8-1), Scat Factor (63-1), and the favourite Essex Serpent (3-1) completed the order of finish. Essex Serpent, trained by Mark Casse, faded sharply after a promising start, marking his second consecutive tenth-place finish after the King’s Plate.
Vitality, who had been gelded and started on Lasix earlier this summer, has transformed from a winless maiden to a two-time winner in his last three starts. The Prince of Wales marked his first race on dirt, bringing his record to 9: 2-1-1 and adding US$176,024 to his earnings, which now total US$249,920.
For both trainer Ladouceur and jockey Campos, this was their first victory in a Canadian Triple Crown race. It was also the second Prince of Wales win for the Stronach family, their first coming in 2008 with Harlem Rocker.
The Breeders' Stakes, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, will take place on September 29 at Woodbine, covering 1 1/2 miles on turf.