Military Time surged ahead of Brachetto just before the finish line to secure victory in the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes on Monday in Fort Erie, Ontario.
Ridden by 22-year-old Fraser Aebly, Military Time spent most of the race in third position before making a strong move past Brachetto and Keepmypowderdry as they approached the end at the Fort Erie Racetrack.
“He was battling for me throughout the entire race; it was unbelievable,” expressed a thrilled Aebly after crossing the finish line.
As the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, this year’s Prince of Wales Stakes kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. The eight-horse field remained tightly packed, with three contenders—Military Time, Brachetto, and Keepmypowderdry—jockeying for the lead as they turned for home. Ultimately, it was Military Time who displayed the extra speed needed to claim victory, finishing with a time of 1:56.
“He got off to a great start from the gate, and I was determined to be in a forward position given the way the track was playing today. We established our spot, and he settled in perfectly for me,” Aebly said. “I noticed the horse inside me at the quarter pole was picking up pace, but I felt confident that I had enough horse to maintain my position, and he kept pushing forward.”
Watch the 91st edition of the esteemed Prince of Wales Stakes on Labour Day in Fort Erie, Ontario.
Military Time, who previously placed second to the filly Luster in last month’s $1-million King’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, was favored as the early 2-1 choice for the Prince of Wales Stakes earlier this week.
Brachetto secured second place, while Buium finished third. Keepmypowderdry ended up in fourth within the eight-horse lineup.
Luster did not compete in the Prince of Wales, making Wando the last horse to achieve Canada’s Triple Crown in 2003.
The final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown is the Breeders’ Stakes, scheduled for September 27 at Woodbine. Live coverage will be available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.