Race Details
- Venue Location: Aqueduct Racetrack, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, Queens, New York 11420.
- Date and Time: Saturday, February 14, 2026, post time 1:41 p.m. ET (First post at 12:40 p.m. ET; races spaced approximately 30-35 minutes apart).
- Race Conditions: $135,000 purse, 7 furlongs on dirt, restricted to 3-year-olds foaled in New York State and approved by the New York State-Bred Registry. Lasix not allowed within 48 hours of post time. Weights: 123 lbs, with allowances for non-winners of sweepstakes (2 lbs) or a race other than maiden/claiming (4 lbs).
- Expected Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny with a high of 41-45°F and lows around 29°F. Winds W at 5-10 mph, no precipitation expected. Mild winter day with low humidity (around 45%) and minimal wind chill, ideal for racing without track issues.
- Track Conditions: Dirt track expected to be Fast, based on the dry forecast and no recent weather disruptions. Aqueduct’s winter dirt surface often favors early speed, particularly from inside posts, but a contested pace can set up for closers in 7-furlong sprints.
The Damon Runyon Stakes, rescheduled from February 7 due to cold weather, is a key sprint for New York-bred 3-year-olds and a potential prep for graded stakes like the Gotham. Named after the famed writer, this $135,000 event features a field of six colts with a mix of proven stakes performers and up-and-comers. Expect a moderate to fast pace led by speed types like Time to Roll and Arctic Beast, potentially benefiting mid-pack runners if duels develop. The winner receives a trophy and boosts their Kentucky Derby trail credentials in the state-bred ranks.
Field Analysis
Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis.
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Est. ML Odds | Recent Finishes (Position/Beyer Fig) | Analysis |
| 1 | Mission Critical (NY) | Jose Lezcano | Jeremiah C. Englehart | 6-1 | 1st (49), 2nd (N/A), 3rd (N/A) | Late-bloomer who graduated third-out in a one-turn mile at Aqueduct on Dec 31, winning by 3 1/2 lengths after pressing the pace. Lezcano (Aqueduct win rate 18%) rides for Englehart (solid with NY-breds). Pedigree (Midnight Lute – Critical Value by Bodemeister) suggests improvement with maturity; dam was a dual stakes winner. Inside post helps stalking style, but low Beyer indicates need for a step up against stakes foes. Owners: Ten Strike Racing. Breeder: Marshall Gramm & Clay Sanders. |
| 2 | Combat Mission (NY) | Kendrick Carmouche | John C. Kimmel | 5-1 | 1st (N/A), 2nd (stakes-placed), Debut (N/A) | Stakes-placed maiden breaker showing sharp form. Carmouche (aggressive rider, 20% wins) aboard for Kimmel (experienced with sophomores). Pedigree (Combatant – Karley O by Liam’s Map) offers tactical speed; recent maiden win was impressive. Could press early; value if pace sets up. Owners: Whisper Hill Farm LLC. Breeder: Ivery Sisters Racing & Flying P Stable. |
| 3 | Portadown Lad (NY) | Jose Antonio Gomez | James W. Ferraro | 10-1 | Debut | First-time starter with upset potential at long odds. Gomez (underrated, 15% wins) for Ferraro (local trainer with occasional surprises). Pedigree (Honest Mischief – Irish Heroine by Street Hero) hints at precocity; workouts suggest readiness. Rail draw aids, but debut in stakes is tough ask. Owners: Ginellen Racing. Breeder: Ginellen Racing & Harry L Landry. |
| 4 | Time to Roll (NY) | Jaime Rodriguez | Horacio De Paz | 5-2 | 1st (79), 5th (N/A), 1st (N/A) | Top speed figure horse with 2 wins in 4 starts. Rodriguez (front-running specialist) suits for De Paz (rising trainer). Pedigree (Not This Time – My Galina by Medaglia d’Oro) from strong family (third dam Stellar Jayne G1 winner). Last-out 6 3/4-length win at 7f; post 4 allows wire-to-wire bid. High win chance (35% est.) if uncontested. Owners: Adelphi Racing Club and Chief Horse Futures, LLC. Breeder: Kingsport Farm. |
| 5 | Royal Riddle (NY) | Manuel Franco | Joe Sharp | 4-1 | 1st (N/A), N/A, N/A | Stakes debut off state-bred maiden win. Franco (leading jockey, 22% wins) for Sharp (stakes success). Pedigree (Practical Joke – Queen’s Secret by Nyquist) provides class; recent form consistent. Mid-pack style could rally if pace hot. Owners: Jordan V. Wycoff. Breeder: Comstock Bloodstock. |
| 6 | Arctic Beast (NY) | Ricardo Santana, Jr. | Michael J. Maker | 3-1 | 2nd (N/A), 1st (N/A), 1st (86) | Class of the field with dual stakes wins. Santana Jr. (16% wins) for Maker (stakes specialist, won 2022 Damon Runyon). Pedigree (Yaupon – Frostie Anne by Frost Giant) from stakes family; $275K yearling. Recent: Debut win Saratoga, 7 1/4-length Aspirant win, 5 3/4-length NY Breeders’ Futurity win, 2nd Springboard Mile. Outside post aids closing kick. Owners: Paradise Farms Corp. et al. Breeder: Rockridge Stud, LLC et al. |
Series History
- All-Time: The Damon Runyon Stakes, in its 47th running, has been held primarily at Aqueduct since 1980 (inaugural at Belmont in 1979). Notable winners include Sea Foam and Rotknee (Maker’s 2022 victor).
- Recent Trends: Favorites have won 5 of the last 8 editions, with speed holding up in 60% of 7-furlong renewals at Aqueduct. Closers board in 65% of contested paces; NY-bred fields yield exotics payouts averaging $50 for exactas in recent years.
