A quiet winter rhythm will settle over Aqueduct on Thursday afternoon, but beneath it will run a competitive undercurrent as the New York circuit prepares to stage an eight-race midweek programme from 12:40pm to 4:08pm. With a blend of claiming contests, allowance races, and developing fillies stepping forward, the card will build steadily toward its $86,000 finale, promising an afternoon shaped by opportunity, patience, and well-judged execution.
The meeting will open at 12:40pm with a Claiming contest for four-year-olds and upward over 6½ furlongs. Five runners will line up for a purse of $52,000, setting an early tone that will likely reward tactical speed and sharp positioning. As the day’s first test unfolds, it will offer seasoned campaigners a chance to assert authority straight from the outset.
At 1:09pm, attention will turn to the fillies and mares in a Starter Allowance over six furlongs. Restricted to four-year-olds and upward, this six-runner contest for $60,000 will place emphasis on consistency and racecraft, as proven performers look to capitalise on conditions designed to separate reliability from raw promise.
The third race at 1:38pm will stretch the field out, both literally and figuratively. A Claiming race for four-year-olds and upward over 1â…› miles will test stamina and composure, with six runners competing for a $43,000 prize. As the distances lengthen, the pace of the afternoon will begin to shift, rewarding horses capable of settling early and finishing with intent.
Race 4 at 2:08pm will introduce a more selective profile, as Fillies and Mares foaled in New York State contest an Allowance Optional Claiming over a mile. With a purse of $79,000 and six runners declared, this race will stand as one of the stronger supporting contests on the card, blending regional pride with competitive depth.
At 2:38pm, the focus will move firmly toward the future. A Maiden race for three-year-old fillies over a mile will see seven runners chase a $70,000 purse. This contest is likely to carry an air of anticipation, as lightly raced types attempt to convert promise into performance, often revealing names to follow as the season progresses.
The sixth race at 3:08pm will return to familiar ground with a Claiming race for fillies and mares four years old and upward, run over seven furlongs. Seven runners will vie for $41,000, and with experience again playing a key role, positioning through the bend will be crucial in shaping the outcome.
Race 7 at 3:38pm will spotlight the three-year-old division in a Starter Optional Claiming over six furlongs. With seven runners and a $60,000 purse on offer, this sprint will likely inject fresh pace into the late stages of the card, as developing horses look to step beyond their foundations.
The afternoon will culminate at 4:08pm with the feature Allowance Optional Claiming race for fillies and mares four years old and upward, contested over 6½ furlongs for a purse of $86,000. With nine runners declared, the finale is set to provide the most competitive examination of the day, bringing together proven quality and sharp intent under midweek conditions.
Contenders: All Class, My Magic Wand, Goodnightngodbless, Reliable Lady, With the Angels, Nilo’s Rose, Khali Magic, Cupid’s Heart, Twirling Beauty
From the opening claiming sprint to the $86,000 closer, Aqueduct Racecards 22 January will offer a clear narrative of resilience, development, and ambition, ensuring that the day delivers substance well beyond its understated midweek setting.
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