Winter racing at Aqueduct will step back into focus on Friday, January 9, as NYRA stages an eight-race programme running from 12:40pm to 4:08pm, a card shaped by balance rather than excess. Built around depth, opportunity, and a clear progression through the afternoon, the meeting will culminate in Race 7, a $86,000 Allowance Optional Claiming sprint that stands as the day’s feature and a late test of speed and class over six furlongs.
The opener at 12:40pm will set the tone with Race 1, a Claiming contest for fillies and mares aged four and upward over a mile. With five runners declared and $52,000 on offer, the race is expected to reward patience and tactical positioning rather than raw pace, especially around Aqueduct’s demanding winter surface.
Momentum will build in Race 2 at 1:09pm, a Starter Allowance restricted to New York–foaled fillies and mares aged four and above. Run over 6½ furlongs and carrying a purse of $57,000, the six-runner field will bring state-bred depth into sharp focus, where early speed and local familiarity often prove decisive.
Stamina will come to the fore in Race 3 at 1:38pm, a Claiming event for four-year-olds and upward stretching out to 1â…› miles. With six runners competing for a $41,000 prize, the race will test staying power and race management, especially through the long Aqueduct turns that often expose any weakness late.
The afternoon will maintain its competitive edge with Race 4 at 2:08pm, another Claiming race over six furlongs for older horses. A six-runner lineup and a $40,000 purse point to a fast, direct contest where break speed and clean positioning are likely to define the outcome.
Interest will sharpen notably at 2:38pm with Race 5, a Maiden event restricted to New York–foaled four-year-olds and upward. Run over a mile with seven runners and offering a healthy $75,000 purse, this race will carry added intrigue, as maiden contests at this level often reveal late developers ready to step forward.
Contenders: Nonno Joe, Kaz Oil Changer, Sequential, Antietam, Probability, Ice Shot, Nothingbutnitro
Depth rather than glamour will define Race 6 at 3:08pm, a Claiming sprint over seven furlongs for fillies and mares aged four and upward. With seven runners chasing $27,500, the race will demand balance between speed and endurance, a combination that often separates proven performers from hopefuls.
The spotlight will firmly fall on Race 7 at 3:38pm, the Allowance Optional Claiming feature for four-year-olds and upward over six furlongs. Carrying the day’s top purse of $86,000 and attracting a seven-horse field, the race is expected to deliver intensity from the gate, serving as the afternoon’s clearest measure of current form and sharpness.
Contenders: Big Hat Willie, Vettriano, Mr Skylight, High Oak along with a few more.
Closing the programme at 4:08pm, Race 8 will offer a look to the future with a Maiden Claiming sprint for three-year-olds over 5½ furlongs. Seven runners will line up for $34,000, a race that traditionally brings raw talent, unpredictability, and early-season promise into play.
From seasoned campaigners to emerging names, Aqueduct Racecards 9 January will promise a purposeful winter showcase, blending opportunity with competition and ending the afternoon on a decisive, high-tempo note.
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