Fox Hill Farms’ reigning Horse of the Year Havre de Grace continued her string of sharp works with a six-furlong drill in 1:11 2/5 at Fair Grounds March 5 in preparation for her 2012 debut in the New Orleans Ladies March 17.
The 5-year-old daughter of Saint Liam worked in company with stakes winner Joyful Victory, who was timed five furlongs in :58 2/5 for her next start in the Azeri Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn.
“They both had terrific, yet easy works,” Fox Hill owner Rick Porter said. “Joyful went five-eighths and Havre de Grace went on another eighth by herself. Joyful galloped out six furlongs in 1:12 1/5. Havre de Grace slowed down a little when Joyful dropped off a bit. We didn’t get the time of the mile gallop out on Havre de Grace. Jen (Brasser), Havre de Grace’s regular rider, came back and told Larry (trainer Jones) she was sorry that she didn’t think she went fast enough. That just proves how easy she does it. She is so deceiving when she is breezing.
“They are ready. Larry will just have them stretch their legs next Monday and we’ll be ready for St Patrick’s Day. Robby Albarado was so impressed with Joyful Victory and realizes what a huge cruising speed she has. He knows he can just let her stay up close to the pace even if it is fast instead of trying to throttle her down. Hopefully, we are sitting on go.”
Havre de Grace has been training brilliantly at Fair Grounds, turning in back-to-back five-furlong drills in :59 4/5 and :59 flat, respectively, prior to her most recent work.