Mr Havercamp back on home turf

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – After a troubled fifth in the Grade 3 Saranac at Saratoga, Mr Havercamp returns to Woodbine in Saturday’s $125,000 Vice Regent Stakes, a one-mile turf route for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds.

Mr Havercamp won his first two races by a combined 12 lengths here, including a dominating victory over Ontariosired allowance opposition on the grass Aug. 13.

Three weeks ago, Mr Havercamp was bet down to 3-1 in the nine-furlong Saranac, but he didn’t have a clear run along the inside and finished 3 1/2 lengths back.

“He handled himself really well, the shipping and the whole paddock experience,” trainer Catherine Day Phillips said. “He was a little bit unlucky in the

race, but wasn’t beaten that far, and has come out of it well. He didn’t really do anything wrong. He just zigged when everyone zagged, and zagged when everybody zigged. It wasn’t a very smooth trip for him.”

A field of nine was drawn for the Vice Regent, which goes as race 8 on an 11-race program.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mr Havercamp, by Court Vision Beyers: 87-87-86

◗ The large gelding is being reunited with Eurico Da Silva, who was aboard for his first two races. Da Silva has a solid 9-for-28 record at the meet when riding for Day Phillips.

King and His Court, by Court Vision Last 3 Beyers: 81-77-85

◗ Canada’s reigning champion male 2-year-old, he ended up seventh in the July 2 Queen’s Plate, then finished third in the nine-furlong Toronto Cup and the 12-furlong Breeders’ Stakes, both on turf.

Gary Boulanger rode King and His Court in those races and said he needed the race in the Toronto Cup.

“He didn’t do a whole lot going into that race and still ran a good third,” Boulanger said after the Breeders’.

King and His Court was beaten only a half-length in the Breeders’.

“He really tried hard,” Boulanger said. “The last 100 yards he got a little flat, but it was a big effort.”

Dragon’s Cry, by Victor’s Cry Last 3 Beyers: 80-82-65

◗ A speedy stakes winner at 2, he has closed effectively in his last two outings, including in a narrow loss in the six-furlong Bold Ruckus Stakes on turf.

“He’s learned to relax,” trainer Robert Tiller said. “I think he really likes turf. We’ll have to see if he’ll go a mile.”

Katalox, by Old Forester Last 3 Beyers: 67-82-66

◗ He notched his first stakes win in the June 25 Bold Ruckus and has been idle since one of his worst performances, a 10-length loss in the July 14 Ontario Jockey Club Stakes on the Tapeta.