La Verdad Holds Key to Grade 2 Distaff Handicap

La Verdad, a five year-old daughter of Yes It’s True, has won 10 of 16 career starts while bankrolling $780,700 for trainer Linda Rice.  The mare last competed November 27 in the Fall Highweight Handicap against males where she finished seventh. Prior to that effort, La Verdad won the Iroquois Stakes and finished second in the Gallant Bloom Handicap – both at Belmont Park. La Verdad has shown a particular liking for the “Big A” winning 6 of 8 career starts over the surface including a win in last year’s Distaff Stakes. Jose Ortiz will be in the irons breaking from post four.

Up-and-comer to provide stiff challenge

Mamdooha (7/2) has won 5 of 6 career starts, including five consecutive wins following a second place finish in her debut. The Kiaran McLaughlin has won four consecutive listed stakes races – the Gin Talking Stakes, the Ruthless Stakes, the Cicada Stakes, and the Correction Stakes – heading into the Distaff, and will be La Verdad’s main opposition. Jockey Irad Ortiz will ride breaking from post two.

Jacobson will saddle two 

Trainer David Jacobson will send out an uncoupled entry with Frivolity (6/1) and Aireofdistinction (4/1) completing the lineup.