Aqueduct Racecourse will come alive on Wednesday, February 4, as the NYRA midweek program delivers a tightly packed eight-race card running from 1:10pm to 4:43pm. Set against the winter backdrop in New York, the afternoon is expected to balance grit, patience, and quality, with two $86,000 allowance optional claiming races standing out as the defining contests of the day. Race 4 and Race 7, both offering strong prize money and competitive fields, are poised to anchor a card that blends opportunity for rising runners with meaningful tests for established performers.
The action will begin at 1:10pm with Race 1, a Maiden Claiming contest for four-year-olds and upward, run over 7 furlongs. With seven runners competing for $60,000, the opener is expected to set a measured but purposeful tone, as connections look to capitalize on an early chance to break through.
At 1:41pm, attention will shift to Race 2, a Starter Optional Claiming event for three-year-old fillies over 6 furlongs. Also featuring seven runners and carrying $60,000 in prize money, the race promises early speed and developing talent, with youthful energy likely to define the tempo.
The card will build further at 2:11pm with Race 3, an Allowance for four-year-olds and upward foaled in New York State, contested over 1 1/8 miles. With seven runners chasing $77,000, stamina and tactical positioning are expected to play key roles as the field navigates the longer trip.
The first of the day’s headline events arrives at 2:42pm with Race 4, an Allowance Optional Claiming for four-year-olds and upward, run over 7 furlongs for $86,000. A competitive field of seven brings together depth and proven connections. Locke and Key, partnered by Sahin Civaci for trainer James T. Ryerson, will line up alongside Brigadier General, ridden by Luis R. Rivera Jr. and trained by David P. Duggan. Top Gun Rocket, with Christopher Elliott aboard for Panagiotis A. Synnefias, adds further intrigue, while Toxic Gray teams Manuel Franco with trainer Michael Miceli.
The field is strengthened by Ignite the Light, ridden by Flavien Prat for Richard E. Dutrow Jr., Emirates Road with Jaime Rodriguez for Brad H. Cox, and Vettriano, partnered by Kendrick Carmouche for Linda Rice. With pace and class evenly spread, Race 4 is expected to set a high standard for the afternoon.
At 3:12pm, Race 5 will bring a Maiden Special Weight for three-year-old fillies over 1 mile. Featuring eight runners and offering $80,000, the race provides a valuable platform for emerging talent to step into the spotlight.
The tempo will sharpen again at 3:42pm with Race 6, a Claiming contest for four-year-olds and upward over 6 furlongs. A larger field of 11 runners will compete for $28,000, making it one of the most open and tactical races on the card.
The second major feature follows at 4:13pm with Race 7, another Allowance Optional Claiming for four-year-olds and upward, run over 1 1/8 miles for $86,000.
The seven-runner field brings together strong stables and accomplished riders. Big Blue Line, ridden by Christopher Elliott for John Alexander Ortiz, will face Film Star, partnered by Ruben Silvera for Gustavo Rodriguez. Yo Daddy, with Jose Lezcano aboard for Linda Rice, lines up alongside Donegal Surges and Classicist, both trained by Todd A. Pletcher and ridden by Kendrick Carmouche and Manuel Franco respectively. Completing the field are Kinetic, partnered by Flavien Prat for Brad H. Cox, and Dreamlike, ridden by Sahin Civaci for Linda Rice. With stamina and composure likely to decide matters, Race 7 stands as a fitting late centerpiece.
The program will conclude at 4:43pm with Race 8, a Maiden Special Weight for three-year-old maidens foaled in New York State, run over 6½ furlongs. A large field of 14 runners will compete for $75,000, providing a lively and competitive finale.
With premium allowance races, balanced fields, and a clear progression in intensity, Aqueduct Racecards 4 February are set to deliver a midweek card defined by quality and opportunity. From the opening maiden to the closing sprint, the afternoon promises racing that is purposeful, competitive, and firmly future-facing.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.