Midweek racing will regain its familiar rhythm at Aqueduct on Thursday, January 15, as the New York venue prepares to stage a seven-race program from 1:10pm to 4:10pm. Compact yet competitive, the card is set to blend seasoned claimers with progressive allowance runners, building steadily toward a $83,000 allowance optional claiming contest in Race 3, the standout event of the afternoon.
Proceedings will get underway at 1:10pm with Race 1, a Maiden Claiming event for four-year-olds and upward over one mile. A field of six runners will compete for a $34,000 purse, and the race is expected to offer opportunities for late developers seeking a breakthrough at this level, where race fitness and positioning are likely to be decisive.
At 1:40pm, attention will shift to Race 2, a Claiming contest for fillies and mares aged four and up, again run over one mile. With six runners lining up for $35,000, this race is set to test tactical awareness, as pace judgment and efficient trips are expected to shape the outcome.
The card will then reach its focal point at 2:10pm with Race 3, the day’s feature, an Allowance Optional Claiming event for fillies and mares four years old and upward. Contested over seven furlongs and carrying a purse of $83,000, the race will assemble six runners combining proven form with scope for further progress. The distance is expected to demand both speed and finishing strength, making this a true measure of versatility and class.
Contenders: Despo’s Dream, Purr Factor, Atarah, Roman Grace, Romantic Dancer, Proud Foot
Quality will remain high at 2:40pm with Race 4, a Maiden Special Weight for fillies and mares four years old and upward, run over one mile. With seven runners competing for $80,000, this contest is likely to attract well-regarded runners and could reveal horses capable of stepping up quickly in coming starts.
The tempo is expected to lift again in Race 5 at 3:10pm, a Claiming event for four-year-olds and upward over 6½ furlongs. Featuring eight runners and a purse of $28,500, this sprint should reward sharp early speed and decisive moves turning for home.
Stamina will return to focus in Race 6 at 3:40pm, a Starter Optional Claiming race over one mile, offering $62,000. With eight runners declared, the race is expected to produce a closely matched contest where consistency and race management may prove decisive.
The afternoon will conclude at 4:10pm with Race 7, a Starter Allowance restricted to New York State-foaled runners, also contested over one mile. A field of nine will vie for $57,000, providing a competitive and fitting finale to the program.
With evenly balanced fields, varied race conditions, and a clearly defined feature contest, Aqueduct Racecards 15 January will deliver focused, competitive racing from the opening mile to the closing allowance.
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