Prince of Wales: Uncaptured rallies to win for Casse

Uncaptured, biding his time in fifth place under a patient Miguel Mena, rallied five wide into the stretch and ran down River Seven for a one-length victory in Tuesday’s $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie.

Sent off as the 2-5 choice in the field of six for the 1 3/16-mile Prince of Wales, Uncaptured gave his backers some anxious moments down the backstretch.

“I rode him like the good horse he is,” Mena said. “I thought he’d be a little closer, but a couple of other horses showed speed. At the half-mile pole, the minute he grabbed the bit, I knew it was over. I turned him loose, and he won easy.”

Mark Casse, who conditions Uncaptured for John Oxley, acknowledged that he was surprised by Mena’s tactics.

“I actually thought he’d be up on the lead, or close to it,” Casse said. “I was shocked. He had me a little nervous, I have to be honest.”

River Seven, who had pressed the pace of Power Phil before putting away that rival in midstretch, ended up 4 1/2 lengths ahead of third-place Niigon’s Glory, who stalked the pace throughout.

Jagger M, also trained by Casse, ended another three-quarters of a length back in fourth, with Power Phil fading to fifth and Rackman bringing up the rear.

Uncaptured, Canada’s horse of the year and champion male juvenile in 2012, was winning for the first time this season while making his fifth start. The $300,000 winner’s share brought Uncaptured’s earnings to $960,106.

Uncaptured returned $2.90 to win and keyed a $9.40 exacta and a $46.30 trifecta. He was the second straight Prince of Wales winner for Casse, who sent out the filly Dixie Strike to win the race last year.

Dynamic Sky and Spring in the Air, also trained by Casse, were scratched on the morning of the race.