Venue and Race Overview
The Interborough Stakes is set to take place at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York, USA. This historic venue, often called “The Big A,” features a one-mile dirt oval and is known for its winter racing circuit, where cold weather can influence track conditions. The race is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a post time of 2:40 PM ET. This is a stakes race for fillies and mares aged 4 years and up, contested over 7 furlongs on the dirt track. The purse is $135,000, attracting a competitive field of 8 entrants. It’s a one-turn sprint that rewards speed and stamina, with non-winners of recent sweepstakes or multiple races allowed weight concessions (base weight 123 lbs., allowances of 2-4 lbs. available).
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Queens calls for a mix of clouds and sun during the day, with a high temperature around 35°F (based on historical averages and current projections) and a low dipping to around 25°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 7-9 mph, with gusts up to 13-16 mph. There’s a 20% chance of precipitation during the afternoon, increasing to 66% later in the day, potentially bringing a wintry mix of snow (up to 0.85 inches) changing to ice (up to 0.08 inches), with total precipitation around 0.14 inches. Cloud cover will average 55% during the day but rise to 98% by evening. If precipitation hits before or during racing, the dirt track could turn sloppy or muddy, favoring horses with proven wet-track form. Otherwise, expect a fast surface, typical for Aqueduct’s winter dirt, which can play fair but sometimes benefits inside speed.
Field Analysis
The field consists of experienced sprinters and routers stepping back in distance. Key factors include recent speed figures (Beyer/HRN equivalents), form on dirt, and adaptability to potential off-track conditions. Linda Rice enters two contenders, adding depth to her barn’s presence.
PP 1: Mega Mil (4yo filly, by Honor A. P. – Elusive Jackpot)
Jockey: Frankie Pennington (experienced Aqueduct rider, 15% win rate locally). Trainer: John C. Servis (solid 18% win rate with sprinters). Weight: 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (107) at AQU AOC (12/26/2025, 6f dirt); 2nd (122) at PRX Cornucopia S. (11/26/2025, 6.5f dirt); 7th (87) at KEE AOC (10/11/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (111) at CD Dogwood S. G3 (9/20/2025, 7f dirt); 1st (120) at ELP Allow (8/4/2025, 6.5f dirt).
Analysis: This lightly raced filly has shown sharp improvement, winning two of her last five with strong closing kicks. Her inside post could help her save ground in a race that might set up for stalkers. Handles dirt well and has tactical speed; if the track is off, her Ellis Park win on fast dirt suggests adaptability. A live longshot if she duplicates her 120 figure from August.
PP 2: Lucille Ball (4yo filly, by Lord Nelson – Sassy Redhead)
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche (top Aqueduct jockey, 20% win rate, excels in stakes). Trainer: Chris J. Englehart (strong with improving types, 16% win rate). Weight: 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (138) at AQU ALW (1/2/2026, distance not specified but allowance level); Undefeated in prior debut (details limited, but unchallenged win).
Analysis: The buzz horse of the field, undefeated in two career starts with a monster 138 speed figure in her latest allowance romp at Aqueduct. She’s stepping up to stakes company for the first time but looks like a rising star with explosive speed. Her limited experience is a question mark against veterans, but if she breaks sharply from PP2, she could wire the field. Favors fast dirt; wet conditions unknown but pedigree suggests she could handle it.
PP 3: Just Katherine (6yo mare, by Justify – Reve Enchante)
Jockey: Sahin Civaci (up-and-coming rider, 14% win rate). Trainer: Jose M. Jimenez (consistent with mares, 15% win rate). Weight: 121 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (113) at AQU Go For Wand S. LS (12/13/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (115) at BAQ Alwoc (9/20/2024, 7f dirt); 3rd (117) at CT Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon S. (8/23/2024, 7f dirt); 4th (106) at SAR Shuvee G2 (7/21/2024, 1 1/8m dirt); 2nd (108) at BAQ Bed o’ Roses G2 (6/15/2024, 7f dirt).
Analysis: A consistent board-hitter (11-for-16 lifetime), she rarely runs a bad race and has stakes experience, including a near-miss in G2 company. Her recent third in the Go For Wand shows she’s sharp off a layoff. Cuts back from a mile, which suits her closing style; could benefit from a hot pace. Proven on off tracks (muddy win in 2023), making her a contender if weather turns.
PP 4: Curlin’s Girl (5yo mare, by Curlin – Quality Rocks)
Jockey: Ruben Silvera (reliable, 12% win rate at Aqueduct). Trainer: Linda Rice (top NY trainer, 22% win rate, multiple entries here). Weight: 121 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (99) at AQU Alwoc (12/11/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (105) at AQU AOC (11/22/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 2nd (95) at PID AOC (10/23/2025, 1 1/16m synth); 2nd (95) at PID AOC (9/16/2025, 1m70y synth); 3rd (116) at PID AOC (9/3/2025, 6f synth).
Analysis: In peak form with back-to-back Aqueduct wins stretching out, but shortening to 7f might test her speed. Rice’s barn is hot, and this mare has versatility (wins on synth and dirt). Her lower speed figures (99-105 range) suggest she needs a soft trip; outside post could allow her to stalk. Handles wet tracks based on pedigree.
PP 5: Zadorsky (5yo mare, by Tapiture – Fingerprint)
Jockey: Luis R. Rivera, Jr. (aggressive rider, 13% win rate). Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman (emerging trainer, 14% win rate). Weight: 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 4th (108) at AQU Go For Wand S. LS (12/13/2025, 1m dirt); 5th (122) at CD Chilukki G3 (11/15/2025, 1m dirt); 4th (110) at KEE AOC (10/11/2025, 6.5f dirt); 7th (113) at SAR Perfect Sting LS (8/29/2025, 1m turf); 3rd (114) at SAR Alwoc (7/23/2025, 7f dirt).
Analysis: Versatile and consistent, with stakes placings and a strong 122 figure in November. Her recent fourth in the Go For Wand was solid; shortening up suits her pressing style. Beckman has her in good form, and she thrives on dirt (multiple wins). If the track is sloppy, her muddy Saratoga effort (2nd in 2024) makes her playable.
PP 6: Tipple (5yo mare, by Constitution – More Hennessy)
Jockey: Eric Cancel (underrated, 11% win rate). Trainer: Linda Rice (see above). Weight: 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Limited details available; entered off allowance-level form, with a recent speed figure of 94 (suggests mid-pack contender). Prior: Placings in allowances at Aqueduct and Saratoga in 2025.
Analysis: Rice’s second entrant, she’s a steady allowance type stepping up. Her lower figures (94 range) put her behind the top tier, but she has tactical speed and could improve second off a layoff. Prefers fast dirt; wet track might hinder her. Best as an underneath player in exotics.
PP 7: Scalable (5yo mare, by Speightstown – Passion Flower)
Jockey: Christopher Elliott (promising rider, 10% win rate). Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher (elite trainer, 25% win rate in stakes). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (117) at AQU Go For Wand S. LS (12/13/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (119) at AQU Pumpkin Pie LS (11/8/2025, 7f dirt); 6th (107) at BAQ Gallant Bloom G2 (9/27/2025, 6.5f dirt); 1st (125) at AQU Interborough LS (1/25/2025, 7f dirt); 3rd (100) at AQU Comely G3 (11/30/2024, 1 1/8m dirt).
Analysis: The defending champion from 2025, she’s a class act with $559k in earnings and G3 wins. Recent runner-up in the Go For Wand shows she’s back in form after a subpar summer. Pletcher excels in NY stakes; her late kick could shine if pace melts down. Proven at Aqueduct (multiple wins); handles off tracks well.
PP 8: Stonewall Star (6yo mare, by Flatter – Jonata)
Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez (strong finisher, 16% win rate). Trainer: Horacio De Paz (solid 15% win rate with NY-breds). Weight: 121 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 5th (100) at AQU Go For Wand S. LS (12/13/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (115) at BAQ Iroquois S. RS (10/25/2025, 6.5f dirt); 1st (120) at AQU Bay Ridge RS (12/27/2024, 1m dirt); 7th (84) at AQU Go For Wand G3 (12/7/2024, 1m dirt); 4th (104) at BAQ Ticonderoga S. (10/27/2024, 1 1/16m turf).
Analysis: A five-time stakes winner with $513k banked, she’s versatile but bounced in her last after a strong Bay Ridge win. NY-bred edge and outside post allow her to track wide. De Paz has her rebounding; wet track suits (muddy Saratoga placing). Value if she returns to 120-figure form.
