In a possible prelude to next week’s Breeders’ Cup, La Verdad coasted to a 3 ¾-length victory in Saturday’s $150,000 Iroquois S. at Belmont. The was the second win in the race for the 5-year-old daughter of Yes It’s True, and her 11th stakes win in her incredible career.
Trainer Linda Rice had pre-entered La Verdad in the seven furlong Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) and the six furlong Breeders’ Cup Spirnt (G1) earlier in the week, and if she decides to pass the races, La Verdad would likely head to the $350,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Nov. 14 at Laurel Park.
But on Saturday, La Verdad was simply too good for her foes, sitting just off the early pace before taking over coming into the stretch and coasted home in a hand ride to get the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.96.
“I looked back in mid-stretch, and when I saw we were okay, I tried to take care of her in case you want to go to the (Breeders’ Cup),” rider Jose Ortiz said to Rice after the race.
La Verdad, who is owned by Lady Sheila Stable, is now 16-2-0 in her 22 starts and has earned $1,440,700. She is undefeated in 2015, winning six races including the Gallant Bloom H. (G2) and the Honorable Miss H. (G2) in her last two starts.
