Scheduled Post Time (Race 7): 4:19 PM ET
Venue: Aqueduct Racetrack, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, Queens, New York (inner dirt track)
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $135,000 (for Fillies & Mares, 4-year-olds & upward; non-winners of a sweepstakes in 2025-26 allowed 2 lbs., etc.)
Track Conditions (projected): Fast to good dirt; possible light snow showers in the morning/afternoon could lead to a sealed or sloppy surface if precipitation accumulates (60% chance of snow showers, highs near 40°F, lows in the low 20s°F, north winds 10-15 mph). Aqueduct’s winter dirt typically drains well but favors speed/inside posts in cold, wet conditions.
Full Field Analysis
PP 1 – Hold Your Breath (4/F, KY-bred by McKinzie out of Illicit Affair by Midnight Lute)
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche (strong Aqueduct winter rider, ~18% win rate this meet)
Trainer: John C. Servis (solid stakes record at Big A; known for prepping sharp sprinters)
Weight: 123 lbs
ML Odds: 5/2 (co-favorite)
Recent Finishes: 1st (wire-to-wire) in the Garland of Roses S. (listed, 6f dirt at Aqueduct, Dec. 7, 2025 – career-best 94 Beyer; beat With the Angels by 2 lengths in 1:09.76); prior dirt maiden win impressive. Switched surfaces mid-career but thrives returning to dirt.
Analysis: Speed of the speed from the rail. Loves Aqueduct, has tactical versatility, and Carmouche knows the track. Top pick if she breaks cleanly; vulnerable only if pressed early in a speed duel. Strong closer in a field lacking pure front-runners.
PP 2 – My Lil Punky (4/F, KY-bred by Outwork out of Translator by Posse)
Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. (aggressive, high win % in sprints)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux (consistent with mid-tier fillies; good recent form at NYRA)
Weight: 119 lbs
ML Odds: 10/1
Recent Finishes: Competitive in allowance/optional claimers; speed figures in the mid-90s range recently.
Analysis: Live longshot with pace to press or stalk. Drops in class slightly and gets weight relief. Santana can steal a piece if the favorites overrate each other. Better on fast dirt; watch for improvement off layoff or recent sharp works.
PP 3 – Alani (5/M, KY-bred by Competitive Edge out of Tri Delt Girl by Sefapiano)
Jockey: Andy Hernandez (rising apprentice; value in sprints)
Trainer: Michael M. Moore (patient with older mares; strong Aqueduct stats)
Weight: 123 lbs
ML Odds: 12/1
Recent Finishes: Machine-like consistency in allowance company; multiple placings with speed figs 100+.
Analysis: Reliable grinder who never throws in a bad one. Stalks from mid-pack and closes well late. Hernandez keeps her in the clear. Excellent exotic filler; could upset if pace melts. Loves the Big A 6f trip.
PP 4 – Lucille Ball (4/F, KY-bred by Lord Nelson out of Sassy Redhead by Henny Hughes)
Jockey: Manuel Franco (top local rider; excellent timing in stakes)
Trainer: Chris J. Englehart (NY-bred specialist; hot barn this winter)
Weight: 119 lbs
ML Odds: 3/1 (second choice)
Recent Finishes: Strong recent allowance wins/placings at Aqueduct/Belmont at the Big A.
Analysis: Dangerous closer with tactical speed. Franco knows every inch of the track. Weight relief helps; Englehart excels in these restricted stakes. Threat to wire if she gets a soft lead or mid-pack trip. Big chance at square odds.
PP 5 – On Command (5/M, KY-bred by Omaha Beach out of Flautist by First Defence)
Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez (steady; good with mid-pack runners)
Trainer: Amelia J. Green (developing barn; improving with older stock)
Weight: 123 lbs
ML Odds: 10/1
Recent Finishes: Mixed but competitive in similar company; recent speed figures around 90-95.
Analysis: Versatile mare who can rate or press. Rodriguez gives her every chance. Solid for exotics in a wide-open field but lacks the top-end talent of the favorites. Best when fresh.
PP 6 – Sunday Girl (5/M, NY-bred by Central Banker out of Lady Daphne by Harlan’s Holiday)
Jockey: Katie Davis (local specialist; rising star with NY-breds)
Trainer: David P. Duggan (excellent with New York-bred fillies/mare; high win % at Aqueduct)
Weight: 123 lbs
ML Odds: 6/1
Recent Finishes: Consistent NY-bred stakes/allowance placer; recent wins at the Big A.
Analysis: Homebred with local pedigree advantage. Duggan/Davis combo is money at Aqueduct in winter. Stalks and pounces; loves 6f. Strong exotic play and live at square odds. Could improve in her third start off a break.
PP 7 – With the Angels (4/F, NY-bred by Omaha Beach out of Sister Margaret by Pulpit)
Jockey: Jose Lezcano (returning rider; 3-wide winner last out)
Trainer: Linda Rice (Queen of Aqueduct winter; multiple stakes wins this meet)
Weight: 121 lbs
ML Odds: 2/1 (slight favorite)
Recent Finishes: 1st (stalk-and-pounce, 3½ lengths) in optional claimer (6½f dirt at Aqueduct, Jan. 22, 2026 – sharp 1:17.68); 2nd (game effort, 89 Beyer) to Hold Your Breath in Garland of Roses (Dec. 7, 2025); unbeaten or placed in last 8 starts. Multiple NY-bred stakes winner.
Analysis: The classiest and most consistent horse in the field. Rice is unbeatable in these spots; Lezcano knows her perfectly. Outside post is manageable in a short field. Looks to turn the tables on Hold Your Breath after a sharp freshening. Top selection.
