Aqueduct: La Verdad seeks fifth straight win in Lapis Stakes
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – It seems like Mother Nature could be the biggest obstacle to La Verdad’s fifth consecutive victory – and her first in a stakes race – when she heads a five-horse field entered for Friday’s $75,000 Lapis Stakes at Aqueduct.
A significant snowfall was forecast for Thursday night into Friday. Beyond that, temperatures for Friday are expected to be in the teens, with wind chills near zero, which could jeopardize Friday’s nine-race card.
If racing is conducted Friday, La Verdad will attempt to use her speed to reel off a fifth consecutive victory. A New York-bred daughter of Yes It’s True, La Verdad is wheeling back 15 days after winning a first-level allowance race against open company.
After winning her previous three starts – all against New York-breds – in front-running fashion, La Verdad had to pass a horse in that open-company race, as Cubicle Queen sped past La Verdad in the middle of the race. But La Verdad rallied to make the lead in midstretch and drew off for a two-length victory.
“I was happy to see her in her last race sit off of a horse that gunned to the lead around the turn and then learn to pass horses, so I think that was a good sign,” said Linda Rice, who trains La Verdad for Sheila Rosenblum. “I’d like for her to get a little more practice doing that before we move into anything too tough.”
La Verdad looks to be the primary speed, though Saichi Sweepin, to her inside, has been on the lead in her last four dirt sprints.
“I’d like for her to get where she’ll settle and rate off another horse and finish up well,” Rice said of La Verdad. “I think it’s important for her long-term career.”
If not Mother Nature, then Hot Rendezvous could be the biggest threat to La Verdad. After making the first eight starts of her career on turf with mixed results, Hot Rendezvous has won two of three dirt sprints, including a one-length victory over Saichi Sweepin in a second-level allowance for New York-breds here Dec. 20.
“She’s found herself on the dirt a little bit,” trainer Gary Contessa said. “I think she fits well with that group. I don’t think she’s a standout, and I think she’s got to up her game another notch to [win], but she can run second or third in there.”
Ave’s Halo, also trained by Rice, has one win from two starts on dirt. Carameaway dead-heated for second with Lady Gracenote behind Uno Duo in the Fickle Fanny Stakes here Dec. 12.