Officials at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) have released the stakes schedule for the Aqueduct spring meet Mar. 31 through Apr. 24, featuring 13 added-money events worth at least $2.7 million.
The marquee day of the meet takes place Saturday, Apr. 9, highlighted by the $750,000 GII Wood Memorial S., a final prep for the GI Kentucky Derby that offers a total of 170 qualifying points (100-40-20-10) towards a start in the 'Run for the Roses.' Should a Grade I or Group 1 winner be declared an official starter in the nine-furlong test, NYRA will boost the purse of the race by $250,000 to an even $1 million.
The Wood program also features the first Grade I of the New York racing calendar annually, the seven-furlong, $300,000 Carter H. Supporting races include the GIII Gazelle S., a qualifier for the GI Kentucky Oaks (100-40-20-10); the GIII Bay Shore S. for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs; and the GIII Distaff H. for older filly and mare sprinters at seven-eighths of a mile. The card also includes the $100,000 Danger's Hour S. for turf males, four years old and upward.
The meet concludes with a pair of 6 1/2-furlong races for sophomore males and females in the New York Stallion Stakes series, each worth $200,000 to be run Apr. 23 and 24, and the $100,000 Memories of Silver S. on closing day.
Click here for the entire schedule.
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