Aqueduct will remain firmly at the center of NYRA’s winter schedule on Sunday, January 11, when the historic Queens venue is set to stage an eight-race program running from 12:40pm to 4:08pm. While the card will reflect the practical rhythm of winter racing, it will steadily build toward Race 7, the afternoon’s feature, a one-mile claiming contest offering $80,000 in prize money. Across the program, a blend of claiming races, starter and allowance optional events, and New York-bred opportunities will ensure sustained interest, competitive balance, and meaningful chances for horses at every level.
The action will begin with Race 1 at 12:40pm, a one-mile claiming contest for fillies and mares aged four and upward, offering a purse of $39,000. With five runners set to line up, the opener will place an early emphasis on positioning and stamina, setting a measured but competitive tone for the card.
Momentum is expected to build in Race 2 at 1:09pm, where three-year-olds will take center stage in a starter optional claiming race over one mile. Also drawing five runners, the $60,000 contest will offer an important early-season test for younger horses stepping into structured competition at Aqueduct.
Speed will briefly take precedence in Race 3 at 1:38pm, a starter optional claiming event for four-year-olds and upward run over 5½ furlongs. With six runners chasing a $46,000 purse, this sprint will demand sharp breaks and decisive riding, adding contrast to the earlier route races.
The program will then return to fillies and mares in Race 4 at 2:08pm, a 6½-furlong claiming contest for older females worth $31,000. Another compact field of six will line up, making tactical speed and timing critical as the card approaches its midpoint.
Opportunity will widen in Race 5 at 2:38pm, a maiden claiming race for four-year-olds and upward over six furlongs. With eight runners competing for a purse of $26,500, the race will present a key chance for lightly raced or struggling runners to break through and reset their campaigns.
Local breeding will come into focus in Race 6 at 3:08pm, an allowance optional claiming race for New York State–foaled three-year-olds, contested over 6½ furlongs. Carrying a strong $77,000 purse and drawing eight runners, the race is likely to be one of the sharper contests on the card, blending speed, progression, and regional pride.
Attention will then turn fully to Race 7 at 3:38pm, the feature event of the afternoon. The $80,000 claiming race for four-year-olds and upward, run over one mile, is expected to attract a competitive field of eight runners. As the highest-valued contest on the program, it will stand as the day’s central test, demanding both durability and tactical awareness under winter conditions.
Contenders: Noted, Crushed It, Sunny Breeze, Bramito, Dr. Kraft, Light the Way, Exact Estimate, Signator
The curtain will fall with Race 8 at 4:08pm, a maiden claiming race for New York State–foaled three-year-old fillies, contested over six furlongs. With nine runners chasing a purse of $42,000, the finale will offer a lively closing chapter, often a race where emerging talent makes its first clear statement.
From measured routes to sharp sprints, Aqueduct Racecards 11 January is set to deliver a balanced and purposeful afternoon, anchored by a valuable mile feature and supported by meaningful opportunities throughout.
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