Mighty Heart earns Triple Crown shot in Prince of Wales

Going around the far turn in the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie, the second jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, Clayton was in the lead, having gained the front position by passing early leader Truebelieve.

Just when it appeared Clayton might have the race sealed up, Queen’s Plate winner Mighty Heart came down the outside, blowing the field away to win by 2 1/2 lengths and earning himself a chance at Triple Crown glory.

“I’m so happy to win this race,” winning jockey Daisuke Fukumoto said after the race. “This is one of my favorite races. I’m just so glad to have him.”

Mighty Heart will have the opportunity to become the first horse since Wando in 2003 to win the Canadian Triple Crown. To do so, he’ll have to win the Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine, going 1 1/2 miles on turf on Oct. 24.

The colt, who is missing an eye, has overcome the odds to get this point, and has thus far proven himself to be a worthy winner.

“He’s just a wonderful little horse,” trainer Josie Carroll said. “He gets better every time.”

Splits for the 1 3/16 mile race on fast dirt were :23.48, :47.39, 1:11.42 and 1:36.18. The winning time was 1:55.59.

Clayton finished in second place, followed by Dotted Line in third. Mighty Heart returned $3.70 for the win.

Mighty Heart is a son of Dramedy out of Emma’s Bullseye by City Place. He was bred and is owned by Larry Cordes.