Havre de Grace taking small steps towards return

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Owner Rick Porter has posted an update of the status of his leading thoroughbred Havre de Grace. On his stable's website, rockportharbor.com, Porter reports that the four-year-old filly is gradually getting prepared for her 2012 campaign. She is stabled at Vinery Racing's Florida location near Ocala.

"Dr Bramlage has changed his plan for Havre de Grace and she is now under tack walking the shedrow but will start jogging next week if not before," Porter advised. "She will continue to just jog and spend time daily on the aqua tread as well as spend lots of time in a small paddock. This is what she did last year and it sure worked well. She is still scheduled to go to Larry (trainer Jones) on or about January 6th."

Jones is based at Fair Grounds in New Orleans this winter, but Havre de Grace is expected to start in the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, a race she won this year.

Havre de Grace, the top vote getter in the final NTRA Poll of 2011, is expected to be voted the Eclipse Award as 2011 champion older female. With her impressive record for the year she is also considered a favorite as Horse of the Year.

The filly won five of seven starts in 2011 for more than $1.6 million. Along with the Apple Blossom she won the Azeri, Obeah, Woodward and Beldame. Her only losses were by a nose to Blind Luck in the Delaware Handicap and a fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic.