La Verdad primed for Distaff
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Linda Rice had the Grade 2, $200,000 Distaff Handicap circled on her calendar for her New York-bred filly La Verdad for several months.
Rice hopes she has La Verdad primed to capture her first graded stakes victory in the six-furlong Distaff following a victory in the Broadway Stakes for New York-breds on March 29,
“Whether I used that race on the 29th was optional, but this is the race I’ve been pointing towards,” Rice said. “She’s coming into this race very well.”
La Verdad, a 4-year-old daughter of Yes It’s True, has won 6 of 8 career starts, with a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Barbara Fritchie Handicap. That race was at seven furlongs. She has won her last six starts at six furlongs after losing her career debut in March 2013. La Verdad is 3 for 3 over Aqueduct’s main track.
La Verdad has plenty of early speed, and jockey Jose Ortiz likely will use it after breaking from the rail.
There is other speed entered in the race, including Kauai Katie, a four-time graded stakes winner who returns to the races for the first time since last July, when she finished last as the 2-5 favorite in the Grade 1 Prioress at Saratoga. Kauai Katie will break from post 5 on Saturday, perhaps giving her rider the opportunity to stalk the pace.
Other speed includes Munnings Sister and perhaps Bridgehampton.
My Pal Chrisy, second to stablemate Heart Stealer in the Grade 2 Inside Information at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 22, ships in from Florida for trainer Marty Wolfson. The outside stalker drew post 7.
Miss D’Oro and Lion D N A also entered.