Space Invasion: Prince of Wales Day at Fort Erie

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Winning Jockey Luis Contreras

FORT ERIE -- On a sunny Sunday afternoon across the Peace Bridge at the border oval in Fort Erie, the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown was won by my Post Time News selection Pender Harbour ($10.30) for trainer Mike DePaulo. Jockey Luis Contreras has now taken the first two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown after winning the Queen's Plate on Inglorious. He'll be looking for the jockey triple in the Breeders' Stakes at Woodbine on August 7.

Trainer Mike DePaulo sees no reason why he won't take a shot at the third leg in August, "His sire's sire is Kris S so he should love grass. He is very ratable so he doesn't have to go to the lead." He was very happy when I talked to him about grabbing Contreras as his jock at the draw last Wednesday, but he was glowing about his money jockey after the big race. "It was a genuine victory," said DePaulo, "Luis gave him a great ride."

We made it over by Race 3 after little trouble at the bridge, although once over the bridge I realized I had handicapped the card on Saturday night on my iPad, which wasn't in my possession. A quick technology lesson with the Space Gal had my selections over to me by the fourth race and we were in business.

There was a terrific crowd on hand due to the beautiful day dished up by the Southern Ontario weather gods. A nice breeze blew threough all day to keep it real and not a total sweatbath. TBA'er Jennifer Morrison was handling the simulcast handicapping along with Fort Erie Media maven Elissa Blowe for both of the stakes races.

Luis Contreras took four mounts on the day and New York Ranger Dan Girardi was on hand to judge hat contests and hand over the winning Prince of Wales trophy as the official draw master of the event.

It was great to see so many people at the track, the Tiki Bar was jammed and their wasn't a seat to be found in the (air conditioned) Race Book.

Local jock Krista Carignan took the $30K Fort Erie Slots Cup (in the 6th) on local favorite My Natalie over entry mate Gee Pari with Contreras aboard. Trainer Marty Drexler (who was a fabulous 7 for 9 going into the race) nabbed the trophy after My Natalie outlasted Gee Pari in the stretch.

Here are some photographs from the day's activities...

Jennifer Morrison and Elissa Blowe
working the simulcast

Contreras before his ride
on Magnificent Tiger in the 4th

Tapit's Brew started my
day off quite well

The Race Book was jamming

The Tiki Bar was hopping all day

Tiki location just before
the FE finish line

Jockeys head to their
mounts in the Fort Erie Slots Cup

Conditioner Marty Drexler
(no relation to the Glide)
gives Carignan and Contreras
instructions before the Slots
(finished 1-2)

DePaulo and Contreras before
the Prince of Wales

Pender Harbour in the post parade

Photo Finish in the Prince of Wales

The Goods