Vice Regent Stakes: When you’re this good, they call you ‘Mr’

The three-year-old son of Court Vision came into the one-mile feature off a difficult trip in the Grade 3 Saranac Stakes, an effort that saw him finish fifth over the Saratoga turf on September 2.

On a picture-perfect day at the Toronto oval, Mr Havercamp, trained by Catherine Day Phillips, was back in the winner’s circle again.

Silent Empire and Dragon’s Cry were the early leaders in the Vice Regent, taking their rivals through an opening quarter of :23.77. Mr Havercamp, who broke awkwardly, was settled in seventh spot in the field of eight starters (Signature Data was scratched).

It was status quo up front after a half-mile in :46.35, but as the field turned for home, Da Silva summoned Mr Havercamp for his best run as Dragon’s Cry was tasked with trying to ward off the favourite.

Sent off at 2-5, Mr Havercamp, bred by Sean Fitzhenry, who also owns the dark bay with his wife Dorothy, crossed the wire a one-length winner in a time of 1:33.82 over ‘firm’ ground. Late-charging King and His Court rallied for second, while Dragon’s Cry bested Silent Jimmie by a nose for show honours.

It was a return to winning form for Mr. Havercamp, who had won his previous two starts at Woodbine prior to the Saranac, a race Day Phillips won in 2005 with Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Jambalaya.

The gelding, who broke his maiden first time out courtesy of an emphatic 3 ½-length score on July 21, now sports a record of 3-0-0 from four starts.

Mr Havercamp paid $2.80, $2.10 and $2.10, combining with King and His Court ($3.30, $2.20) for a $7.60 (2-6) exactor. A 2-6-9 triactor (Dragon’s Cry, $2.50 to show) was worth $16.90, while a $1 Superfecta [2-6-9-8 (Silent Jimmie)] came back $21.25.