How to bet the La Verdad

A field of seven New York-bred fillies and mares will travel seven furlongs on the Aqueduct main oval in Saturday’s $100,000 La Verdad S.

Analysis

The race will go through surging front-runner #2 Pauseforthecause, who has ripped off a three consecutive sharp wins for Kiaran McLaughlin. The mare will be closely tracked by #3 Kept True and #5 Cash Offer, with the others traveling well off the expected swift early tempo.

Contenders

#1 FIGHT ON LUCY (30-1): Musket Man filly draws inside for her stakes debut for Pat Kelly. One-run closer still qualifies for a first-level allowance race, and she would be a surprise in the affair. Reylu Gutierrez will guide the late runner.

#2 PAUSEFORTHECAUSE (3-5): Fleet daughter of Giant’s Causeway has never been better in advance of the La Verdad. Five-year-old has won or placed in all eight assignments at Aqueduct, and she will be the one to catch and beat beneath Manny Franco.

#3 KEPT TRUE (4-1): Talented filly from the Leah Gyarmati barn exits a stout allowance tally on the course and will make her third run off the break. The lightly raced daughter of Yes It’s True has room with room for improvement, and I think she is sitting on a big one today. Dylan Davis retains the mount.

#4 INDY’S LADY (12-1): Jeremiah Englehart pupil makes her first run since May and lands in a tough spot off the shelf. Take Charge Indy lass is inconsistent, yet capable on her best day, and she has run well off the layoff in the past. Jorge Vargas has the assignment.

#5 CASH OFFER (5-1): Consistent contender from the Mark Hennig barn has won or placed in nine straight following an unplaced debut offering. Four-year-old Empire State-bred exits a smart off-the-pace allowance coup over the strip, and she will get first run on the closing types turning for home.

#6 AUNT BABE (15-1): Outsider shows a single tally from her last 24 performances, and she has hit the board just once in her last seven outings. Desert Party mare looks better suited with softer foes at this juncture.

#7 BLUEGRASS JAMBOREE (8-1): Two-time local winner closed with energy to be second behind the top selection in a local allowance tilt last time out. Bluegrass Cat six-year-old is a dual winner on the surface, and she rates an upset chance if the pace is fast and contested. Eric Cancel will ride the Charlton Barker trainee.

Wagers

$40 Win: #3 Kept True