The Main Track needs to split into two parts, races 2-3-4 saw a dead rail where horses raced well out in the racetrack, and the times were slow. The other Main Track races were 6-8-9-10, and for those the track was fair, the rail was fine, and the times were considerably faster. There was one route race on the Inner Turf, and that played fairly, as did the two turf sprints, which were run on the Outer Turf course.

Friday, November 30
Fast / Good
Cloudy
41
Wind 2 MPH NE

The trend of riders staying clear of the rail continues. Like 11/29, there may not be any conclusive evidence the rail was particularly bad, but the majority of running on the Main Track was done wide. The turf courses played fairly, though with only one race on each course, it's nearly impossible to make any strong conclusions.

Thursday, November 29
Fast / Off
Clear
45
Wind 14 to 11 MPH SE

Riders once again stayed outside for the most part. Some runners ran well enough inside to question whether or not the rail was deeper, but it bears watching going forward.

Wednesday, November 28
Fast / Off
Cloudy
42
Wind 11 to 16 MPH SE

While in some races, riders stayed well off the inside, enough horses ran fine inside to suggest the track was fair.

Sunday, November 25
Muddy ( Harrowed ) 1-7 - Good 8 & 9 / Off
Cloudy
53
Wind 7 to 5 MPH SE

Overall the track seemed fair and any concerns about the inside dissipated as the day wore on. Off the turf after overnight rains.

Saturday, November 24
Fast / Firm
Cloudy
41
Wind 6 to 8 MPH SW

While speed did well in the seven dirt races, it was likely situational, and the Main Track was likely fair. There were two sprints on the Outer Turf, and they played fairly, as did the route on the Inner Turf course.

Friday, November 23
Fast / Off
Clear
30
Wind 3 to 5 MPH NW to NE

The track played fairly.

Thursday, November 22
Fast / OFF
Clear
24
Wind 12-15 MPH SE

We were off the turf with extreme cold moving in. The Main Track played fairly as the times remained slow.

Wednesday, November 21
Fast / Firm ( 6 & 8 )
Cloudy
45
Wind 17 MPH E/NE

The Main Track played fairly, with slow times. The turf courses also played fairly. The inside paths were good, though not necessarily an advantage, on both turf courses.

Sunday, November 18

Fast / Good ( 6 & 8 )
Cloudy
44
Wind 3 MPH NW

The Main Track played fairly. While the turf courses were labeled "good" it seems from the times that the Outer Course is firmer than the Inner, with the Inner possibly on the Yielding side of Good. The winner on the Inner came up the rail to win a photo over a horse that came off the inside to rally outside in the stretch. Overall, there is no evidence that either course was other than fair and in good shape given the difficult weather.

Saturday, November 17
Good ( 1-4 ) Fast ( 5-9 ) / OFF
Cloudy
49
Wind 10 MPH SE

After the inside being bad on 11/16, riders stayed away from the rail early in the card, but as the day wore on it appeared the rail was fine, and the track played fairly/evenly.

Friday, November 16
Sloppy ( Sealed ) / OFF
Cloudy
39
Wind 12 to 14 MPH SE to East

Horses stayed in the middle of the track with no good running done on the inside paths. The rail, and even a few paths off, was likely a bad place to be.

Thursday, November 15
Fast / OFF
Cloudy with snow beginning around the 3rd race.
33
Wind 11 to 14 MPH SW

The Main Track appeared to play fairly with conditions deteriorating as the day wore on and racing cancelled after the 6th race.

Wednesday, November 14
Fast / OFF
Cloudy
39
Wind 13 MPH SE

The Main Track played fairly throughout the day.

Sunday, November 11
Fast / Good
Clear
45
Wind 9 to 7 MPH SE

The Main Track appeared to play fairly. There was one race on each Turf course and each also appeared to play fairly.

Saturday, November 10
Good / OFF
Cloudy
46
Wind 16 to 14 MPH SE

The Main Track appeared to play fairly, but there were some longer prices that seemed to outperform their odds while racing on the rail, especially early in the day, which at least asks the question whether or not the inside was an advantage. It's ambiguous at best but worth at least considering.

Friday, November 9
Fast - Good ( sealed ) Race 9 / Good
Cloudy with Rain starting prior to the 8th race
51
Wind 10 MPH NW to SW

The Main Track played fairly prior to the rain. The 9th race, when the track had been sealed, appeared to play out fairly but with one race it's hard to be sure. There were two races on each Turf course and they seemed to play out fairly.

Thursday, November 8
Fast / Yielding
Cloudy
52
Wind 3 to 5 MPH SE

The Main track appeared to play fairly. There was one turf race on each turf course and both played out fairly.

Wednesday, November 7
Muddy ( 1 ) Good ( 2-9 ) / OFF
Clear
60
Wind 12 to 10 MPH NE

Speed did well, but it could have been situational, as likely the track played fairly.

Sunday, November 4
Fast / Firm
Clear
54
Wind 1 to 4 MPH NW

Off the Turf in races 1 and 9, while races 4 ( Inner ), 5 and 7 ( Outer ) remained on the grass. The Main Track seemed relatively fair, though forwardly placed horses dominated the races, with no runners making sustained runs from behind. This may have been situational but is worth monitoring going forward. Logical results, and fairly run races, in all three turf races.

Saturday, November 3
Muddy ( Harrowed ) 1-4 Good ( 5-7, 9 ) / Yielding 8 & 10
Clear
55
Wind 16 to 13 MPH East

We lost two of four scheduled turf races after overnight rains, that left the main track wet, but it dried quickly during a relatively windy, but sunny, afternoon. The Main Track, as well as the Turf Courses, played fairly.

Friday, November 2
Fast / Firm
Cloudy/Foggy
65
Wind 9 to 7 MPH NE

The Main Track appeared to play fairly with fairly slow final times. The turf courses also played fairly. Keep in mind, this was the debut of the “new” Aqueduct Inner Turf course, as the course was redone over the Summer.

Sunday, April 22

Fast / Firm
Clear
61
Wind 4 to 13 MPH North (winds increased sharply late in the day)

While there might be an argument that the main track was friendly to speed, there is not enough evidence to say it was anything other than fair. The turf courses (and it's worth noting not a single scheduled turf race was lost due to weather at Aqueduct this Spring) played fairly.

Saturday, April 21

Fast / Firm
Clear
58
Wind 10 to 6 MPH SE to East

The Main Track appeared to play fairly. While there may be an inclination to lean towards speed, overall, it played evenly. The turf courses both played fairly.

Friday, April 20

Fast / Firm
Clear
51
Wind 15 to 18 MPH SE

The Main Track played fairly though the rail was good, but not an overwhelming edge by any means. Both turf courses played fairly.

Thursday, April 19

Fast / Good (Outer Course Only)

Rainy for the first half of the card - Cloudy thereafter

Wind 7 to 10 MPH SE

The Main Track played fairly, and while many successful runners were outside, the 3rd winner came right up the rail, suggesting an even track. There were only two scheduled turf races, both on the Outer, and they were run fairly, and seemed unaffected by the rain. The Main Track was also unaffected by any rain.

Wednesday, April 18

Fast / Good

Clear

Wind 12 to 9 MPH East

All course, Main and both turf courses, played fairly. The Inner Turf course was possibly a little less firm (good) than the Outer after substantial rains on Monday. The courses, however, needed some rain.

Sunday, April 15

Fast / Firm

Cloudy

Wind17 to 19 MPH W/SW

Four dirt races and five turf races. The Main Track appeared to play fairly as did the turf courses, which have gotten very firm (some heavy rains on Monday 4/16 should help with that for the upcoming final week at Aqueduct)

Saturday, April 14

Fast / Firm
Clear
70
Wind 6 to 12 MPH West (got windier as the day progressed)

There were only three Main track races, and while the track was likely fair, there isn't enough data to make any concrete conclusions. With three on each turf course, one Outer sprint, the courses continue to play fairly, though as the Outer got firmer, speed probably got a bit better.

Friday, April 13

Fast / Firm
Clear
70
Wind 7 MPH NE

There were four dirt races and the track appeared to play fairly. There were three routes on the Inner Turf and two Outer races (one sprint) and both courses appeared to play fairly. The Outer course has gotten very firm.

Thursday, April 12

Fast / Firm
Cloudy
58
Wind 9 to 12 MPH N/NW

It's arguable that speed was an advantage on the Main Track. The turf courses continue to play fairly, with one route on the Inner and two sprints on the Outer.

Wednesday, April 11

Fast / Firm
Clear
50
Wind 9 to 12 MPH NE

The Main track played fairly, though speed did well, but given the logical results it was probably just situational. Both turf courses appeared to play fairly, with one in the Inner and two on the Outer.

Sunday, April 8

Fast / Firm (Outer) – Good (Inner)
Clear
45
Wind 10 to 19 MPH SE (Wind picked up later in the day)

It is fair to say the Main Track was similar to both 4/6-7 in that outside runners dominated the six dirt races but there is no evidence of a bias. There were two races on the Outer Turf and one on the Inner and they appeared to play fairly.

Saturday, April 7

Fast / Firm (Outer) – Good (Inner)
Cloudy
45
Wind 10 to 3 MPH SE

The Main Track seemed to be similar to Friday. Outside runners dominated but there is no evidence you didn’t want to be inside, and it may be more a function of who ran and race dynamics. We ran one race on each Turf course, and given that, no bias related conclusions about the courses could be made. The Inner was listed Good and the Outer as Firm, though both had give in the ground, though the Inner Turf race was “slower” for whatever that is worth.

Friday, April 6

Fast / Firm (Outer Turf Only)
Cloudy
41
Wind 14 to 17 MPH NE

The Main Track played fairly. You could make an argument you were better off at least a path off the rail, but there is no evidence the rail was bad. As for the turf, there were two 6F sprints on the Outer Course, which was labelled Firm, but given the weather, and showers in the morning, it was likely closer to Good. The times were relatively quick more because given it was the first day we raced on the course in four months, it was pristine, and even with a little give, the times will be OK. The course seemed fair, with a longshot speed horse winning one and a longshot closer winning the other.

Saturday, March 31

Fast
Clear
53
Wind 6 to 17 MPH NE/N (got windier as the day progressed)

The track appeared fair, though once again outside runners did well, and it seemed like riders stayed at least a little off the rail. However, there is no evidence the rail was bad.

Friday, March 30

Fast
Cloudy
56
Wind 10 to 12 MPH SE

While outside runners did well, there is no real evidence the track was anything other than fair.

Sunday, March 25

Fast
Cloudy
43
Wind 10 to 13 MPH SW

The track appeared to play fairly.

Saturday, March 24

Fast
Clear
47
Wind 8 MPH SE

The track may have changed during the day, possibly speeding up in the middle of the card, and there is an argument that what appeared to have been a fair track for the first half of the card became tilted towards speed in the second half of the day. I tend to question a track changing like that, and believe it is frequently situational, but could make the argument that the track may have changed during the day.

Friday, March 23

Fast
Cloudy
46
Wind 8 to 11 MPH SE

The track played fairly, though it's possible you were better off outside. Not clear, however, and worth watching going forward.

Sunday, March 18

Fast
Clear
37
Wind 14 to 16 MPH SE

While speed continued to be an advantage, it was not as pronounced as Saturday 3/17. It was still considerably better to be at least forwardly placed.

Saturday, March 17

Fast
Clear
43
Wind 15 to 19 MPH East

There appeared to be a distinct advantage to being forwardly placed, to the point that speed horses may have had their performances enhanced by the racetrack. This was not a path bias, but a position bias, and effective closing seemed particularly difficult.

Friday, March 16

Fast
Clear
38
Wind 18 to 23 MPH SE

The track appeared to play fairly. Perhaps there was an advantage to being forwardly placed but it's entirely possible this was pretty much situational.

Sunday, March 11

Fast
Clear
42
Wind 8 MPH SE

The track played fairly.

Saturday, March 10

Fast
Cloudy
43
Wind 14 to 16 MPH E/SE

While forwardly placed runners dominated the races, it seems situational, and the track overall played fairly.

Friday, March 9

Good (Races 1-2) / Fast (3-9)
Clear
40
Wind 16 to 20 MPH East

The track played fairly.

Sunday, March 4

Fast
Cloudy
45
Wind 17 to 21 MPH South

While the track seemed to play fairly, there may be an argument the rail wasn't the best place to be. Worth following.

Saturday, March 3

Good (1-2) / Fast (3-9)
Clear
45
Wind 17 to 19 MPH SE

The track appeared to play fairly and evenly.

Sunday, February 25

Sloppy (Sealed)
Rainy
45
Wind 8 to 10 MPH SW

The track played very fairly. A very different track than the prior two days.

Saturday, February 24

Good (Harrowed 1-5) / Good (Sealed 6-7) / Sloppy (Sealed 8-9)
Rainy
52
Wind 6 MPH S/SE

The rail was very strong all day, and arguably stronger after the track was sealed. Being on the rail for at least part of the way was an advantage.

Friday, February 23

Muddy (Harrowed)
Showery
39
Wind 6 to 9 MPH West

The rail was a distinct advantage, though not speed, as horses benefited from being on the rail for at least part of the race. Not an obvious bias situation.

Monday, February 19

Muddy (Harrowed)
Cloudy
48
Wind 7 to 10 MPH North

The track appeared to play fair.

Sunday, February 18

Sloppy (Sealed)
Clear
44
Wind 10 MPH SE

The track played fairly though the rail was probably off. The vast majority of the racing was done at least a couple of paths off the rail.

Saturday, February 17

Muddy (Harrowed)
Cloudy
35
Wind 8 to 10 MPH NW

The track played fairly, and while the riders frequently stayed a bit off the rail, and a couple of races made the rail appear questionable, enough runners ran well enough inside that it's hard to call the rail off. Might be worth monitoring a bit going forward.

Friday, February 16

Sloppy (Sealed)
Cloudy/Rainy
55
Wind 9 to 12 MPH E/SE

It's possible it was better to be forwardly placed, but still that could have been situational given the competitive nature of many of the races. However, the rail probably was deeper and the riders stayed pretty much well off the rail.

Thursday, February 15

Good
Cloudy
54
Wind 3 to 6 MPH NE

While the track may have seemed tilted towards speed, it was likely situational, and the track was probably fair. We saw much of the running being done off the rail, but inside runners did OK in a couple of spots suggesting the track was fair overall.

Saturday, February 11

Sloppy (Sealed)
Cloudy/Foggy
49
Wind 5 to 12 MPH West to North

Speed may have seemed good, but it was situational as closers did fine overall ( some at prices ), and while riders seemed to stay away from the rail early, as the day wore on, horses did fine moving towards the inside. Overall the track seemed very fair despite the conditions.

Friday, February 10

Good (Races 1-3) / Muddy (Sealed - Races 4-9)
Rainy
50
No Wind

Speed did well in some of the races but it appeared situational, and even as the track took in more moisture, it seemed to play fairly, and the rail was not a disadvantage.

Friday, February 9

Good
Cloudy
35
Wind 7 to 10 MPH NE/N

The track continues to play fairly. Once again, many horses/riders stayed off the inside but there is no indication that the rail was off.

Thursday, February 8

Good
Clear
32
Wind 7 to 10 MPH SE

The track appeared to play fairly, and while many horses stayed off the inside, there is no strong indication that the rail was off.

Sunday, February 4

Fast
Showery
43
Wind 4 MPH EAST to WEST

The track appeared to play fairly throughout the day.

Saturday, February 3

Good(1-2) / Fast(3-9)
Clear
29
Wind 10 MPH NE

While we saw logical results throughout the day, it seems like there was an advantage to spending time on the rail, as most successful horses spent the majority of the race on or near the inside.

Friday, February 2

Muddy(Harrowed)
Clear
27
Wind 14 to 15 MPH SE

The track once again appeared to play fairly.

Thursday, February 1

Good
Cloudy
43
Wind 6 MPH N/NE

The track played fairly in both running styles and as far as paths as well.

Sunday, January 28

Sloppy(sealed)
Showery
50
Wind 2 to 4 MPH SE

The track seemed to play very fairly, and while many runners ran well outside, enough did well on the inside to suggest the rail was just fine. Fair track.

Saturday, January 27

Fast
Cloudy
49
Wind 13 to 15 MPH NE

It was a very tricky track, as it seemed to play very fairly through the first four races, but the rail was very strong at least from races 5 through 7, if not that last five races. Looking at the final times for races 5-6-7, it seems very likely the track sped up from the first four races, and arguably it was slower for the last two races, which makes a bias change for races 5 though 7 seem explicable. As always, it may pay to monitor going forward.

Friday, January 26

Fast
Clear
35
Wind 4 to 8 MPH NE to North

It was a very strong rail, likely the strongest of the meet, and outside runners were dramatically compromised. The strong rail made speed good, but it was likely the rail and not a running style situation.

Thursday, January 25

Fast
Clear
33
Wind 13 to 15 MPH SE

There is reasonable argument that you didn't want to be right on the rail. The track itself fairly, and speed did just fine, but the best running seemed to be run at least a path or two off the rail. Worth monitoring going forward at the very least.

Sunday, January 21

Fast
Clear
48
Wind 2 to 5 MPH SE to NE

The track was completely different than on the prior racing day, with the times perhaps two or three seconds slower, and the rail not the place to be. There appeared to be an advantage to racing outside. though speed was fine if you were off the rail. Only the 9th winner raced successfully inside.

Saturday, January 20

Fast
Clear
49
Wind 12 MPH East

The final times were as quick as we have seen on the new winterized main track and the rail was a clear advantage, perhaps as strong as any day so far this meet.

Friday, January 19

Fast
Cloudy
36
Wind 10 MPH East

There were four one mile ( one turn ) races, all of them played like the rail was a distinct advantage. However, the 6F races, and one 7F race, played as though the track was very fair, thus much like 1/18, any bias is inconclusive, and results should be monitored going forward. Moving up wide runners in the one mile races might be reasonable going forward, but it's hard to be definitive at the time of this writing.

Thursday, January 18

Good
Clear
32
Wind 14 MPH SE

The rail was definitely good, but how much of an advantage is open to debate. Based on the three two turn races, particularly the 1st, having the inside was a distinct advantage. However, the one turn races played very fairly. Based on this, it's hard to say there was any bias, but you may want to monitor results going forward, particularly out of the two turn races.

Monday, January 15

Fast
Cloudy
28
Wind 9 MPH SW

The track played fairly with the rail, perhaps, a slight advantage.

Sunday, January 14

Fast
Clear
24
Wind 8 to 10 MPH South

The track played very fairly and the rail was good, not a significant advantage, but not off.

Saturday, January 13

Muddy (Sealed)
Clear
31
Wind 13 MPH SE

While speed may have seemed good, it was very possibly more situational, as we did see some closers do fine. Riders stayed outside in many races but horses did just fine inside, leading me to believe the track was at least relatively fair.

Friday, January 12

Muddy (Sealed)
Rain/Fog
60
Wind 11 MPH N/NE

We only ran two races due to extreme fog and results were inconclusive, though being inside was not a disadvantage.

2017

Saturday, December 30

Fast
Light Snow
22
Wind 2 MPH E/NE

In the four races we ran, riders seemed to stay a bit off the rail for the most part, but the track appeared very fair from the limited sample size.

Friday, December 29

Fast
Clear
22
Wind 6 MPH E/NE

While it appeared to be a track that strongly favored inside runners, not necessarily speed however, the last two races, also the most competitive races on the card, might have contradicted that, especially the 8th and final race. Given that information, I would wait for horses to return, and while the rail was at least an edge, it may not have been as strong as it first appeared. Ambiguous enough at this time to suggest it may have been a fair track.

Saturday, December 23

Sloppy(Sealed)
Rain
51
Wind from 4 MPH West to 9 MPH NE

While Speed was good, I wouldn't consider it a major advantage, as we saw some closers do well. Horses also ran fine inside on a few occasions indicated an overall fair racing surface despite the rain and sloppy conditions.

Friday, December 22

Fast
Cloudy
43
Wind 2 MPH NW

The track played fairly. The rail was definitely good, though not clearly a substantial advantage.

Thursday, December 21

Fast
Clear
39
Wind 2 MPH SE

The track played fairly with an edge to horses that were more forwardly placed.

Sunday, December 17

Good
Cloudy
35
No Wind

The track played very fairly and even with no apparent bias.

Saturday, December 16

Good
Cloudy
34
Wind 6 MPH E/NE

The rail appeared to be a distinct advantage, which helped speed horses, but it seems like being inside was definitely an edge more than speed.

Friday, December 15

Fast
Cloudy
25
No Wind

Once again, horses/riders stayed off the inside. Whether or not the rail was bad is hard to determine. It did start snowing midway through the card though I can’t determine if, or that, this affected the racetrack. Likely it did not.

Thursday, December 14

Fast
Clear
30
Wind 13 to 15 MPH SE

Once again horses seemed to stay a bit off the rail, but there is no direct evidence the rail is bad. Horses that were at least forwardly placed dominated but that also may have been the nature of the competition.

Sunday, December 10

Good
Clear
37
Wind 6 MPH East

The riders continued to stay outside, with logical runners dominating, and given we only saw a couple of successful runners even race near the inside, it's hard to conclude a bias one way or another. Let's call it fair, with an outside flow, but somewhat vague....until proven otherwise.

Saturday, December 9

Good
Snow
30
Wind 2 to 4 MPH South

While horses stayed outside for a number of the races, we saw horses rally successfully inside ( 3rd race ) and while it may have been better going outside, there is no clear evidence the rail was dead or off. Turf racing is done for the year.

Friday, December 8

Fast & Firm
Cloudy
38
Wind 3 MPH E/NE

The Main Track appeared fair, with horses succeeding that were mostly forwardly placed, and some on or near the rail for at least a portion of the race. However, logical choices also continue to dominate on the Main Track, as has been the case for much of the week. The final two turf races of 2017, one on each course, were run fairly.

Thursday, December 7

Fast & Good
Clear
45
Wind 5 to 9 MPH East

Similar to 12/6, horses generally stayed off the rail on the Main Track, but some horses ran OK inside which suggests the track was probably fair. With only one race on each turf course, trends are impossible to determine conclusively, but both winners were on the rail for most, if not pretty much all, of the race.

Wednesday, December 6

Good - 1st race - Fast ( 2-8 ) / Off the Turf
Cloudy
44
Wind 11 MPH East

While horses stayed off the rail for the most part, there is no evidence the rail was bad, and horses were successful just off the rail. The 8th winner rode the rail most of the way before angled off it late. The track, while labeled fast most of the day, likely had some moisture at least part of the day.

Sunday, December 3

Fast & Firm
Cloudy
48
Wind 1 to 2 MPH W

There appeared to be no bias in the four dirt races, while the Inner Turf course continued to favor speed or forwardly placed runners. The Outer Turf Course played fairly.

Saturday, December 2

Fast & Firm
Clear
49
None

The Main track was tilted towards speed or horses close to the pace. There were no closers that made a significant impact in any of the five dirt races. The Outer Turf played fairly while speed was an advantage on the Inner Turf course.

Friday, December 1

Fast & Firm
Clear
51
Wind 3 to 5 MPH SE

The Main track continues to play fairly, as did the turf courses as far as I could tell.

Thursday, November 30

Fast & Firm
Cloudy
50
Wind 1 to 2 MPH W

The Main track continues to play fairly, and while the riders frequently stayed off the inside, there is nothing to suggest the rail was bad. The Outer Turf hosted two turf sprints that were run fairly, while speed dominated on the Inner Turf Course.

Wednesday, November 29

Fast & Firm
Clear
59
Wind 11 to 16 MPH E/SE

The Main track played fairly. The riders stayed off the rail early in the card, but both the 7th and 8th winners rode the rail to victory, so there was nothing perceptively wrong with the inside. Both turf courses appeared to play fairly.

Sunday, November 26

Fast & Firm
Clear
47
Wind 6 MPH SE

There were only four dirt races and the Main Track appeared fair, as were both turf courses.

Saturday, November 25

Fast & Firm
Clear
55

Wind 6 to 8 MPH NEWhile the Main Track MAY have had an outside lean, given that the 6th was won wire to wire by a horse right on the inside, you would pretty much have to call the track fair. Both turf courses continue to play fairly.

Friday, November 24

Fast & Firm
Clear
48
Wind 4 to 7 MPH NE

The Main Track seemed to be on the fair side, though outside runners were likely strongest. However, enough runners did well at least towards the inside to make any strong bias ambiguous at best. The turf courses were listed as firm and played fairly. The Inner Turf is starting to feel the effects of the colder weather, while the new Outer Course, with the rails up a considerable distance, is holding up very well considering.

Thursday, November 23

Fast & Good
Clear
41
Wind 5 MPH E/SE

The Main Track was changed to Fast shortly before the 1st race was run. It played seemingly outside, and the best running was done there, but enough runners did OK on the inside to make it at least ambiguous that the rail was bad, particularly Shimmering Moon in the 6th race. However, she may have been much the best, and her narrow margin reflective of her racetrack positioning. Tough call. One race was run on the new Outer Turf, and two on the Inner Turf Course, and both seemed to play fairly with plenty of give in the ground.

Wednesday, November 22

Sloppy ( Sealed ) / Off the Turf
Clear
50
Wind 12 to 19 MPH SE

Overnight rains turned the track sloppy, though it did not rain during the day. It was an unusual track in that, like much of the meet, much of the best racing was done off the rail, but there was a tire track around the two path that some riders used to their advantage. Watch the head-on of the 2nd race to see what is being referenced if you're interested.

Saturday, November 18

Fast & Firm
Cloudy
46
Wind 13 MPH NORTH

The Main Track continues to play fairly, but runners seem best off the inside, and the riders rode that way for the most part. Both turf courses continue to play fairly.

Friday, November 17

Fast & Firm
Clear
42
Wind 13 to 16 MPH SE

The Main Track appeared fair, but horses once again seemed to stay off the inside, and outside runners did well. The turf courses appeared to play fairly.

Thursday, November 16

Fast & Inner Turf – Firm ( 4th ) Outer Turf – Good ( 8th )
Clear
55
Wind 11 to 16 MPH EAST

We had some showers overnight that left us with only two turf races, but the Main Track was labelled Fast shortly before the 1st race. Speed did well on the dirt, and given some of the prices, I can see how some could see this as an advantage. I thought it was inconclusive. Horses did stay somewhat off the inside, but two to three path appeared fine. Overall, it was hard to be sure. With only one turf race on each surface, it’s impossible to draw any bias related conclusions. Both races seemed fair.

Wednesday, November 15

Fast & Firm
Clear
49
Wind 2 to 6 MPH West

It feels like we were back to a dead rail, and an outside track, on the Main Track. Some at least semi-logical horses completely stopped racing inside. The turf courses continued to play fairly....though saving ground, especially on the now "inner" turf, continues to be an advantage. Not a bias situation, more logical.

Sunday, November 12

Fast & Firm
Cloudy
46
Wind 4 to 6 MPH NE

The rail on the Main Track was definitely a good place to be. How strong an advantage is somewhat debatable, but I would say it was at least an edge. Only the 6th race played more "fairly" or outside leaning, which is enough to suggest it wasn't a strong gold rail situation. The turf courses continued to play fairly.

Saturday, November 11

Fast & Firm
Clear
39
Wind 5 to 8 MPH South

While in some races on the Main Track, runners stayed towards outside paths, enough were effective inside to suggest the dirt course was fair. The two turf courses continued to play very fairly.

Friday, November 10

Fast & Firm
Clear
38
Wind 19 MPH SE

The windy conditions didn't seem to dramatically affect the races. Enough horses raced OK on, or near, the rail on the Main Track to suggest it was fair, or certainly close to fair. The turf courses continued to play fairly.

Thursday, November 9

Fast & Good
Clear
51
Wind 4 to 6 MPH W/NW

Horses stayed off the inside, so it's hard to make any conclusive judgments on the rail. The 8th winner moved inside but quickly angled to outside paths in the stretch. The turf courses, while labeled GOOD, were in terrific shape, and played fairly.

Wednesday, November 8

Good (Harrowed) / Off-Turf
Cloudy
48
Wind 2 to 4 MPH SW

The rail was dead on the Main Track with effective runners staying at least a few paths off the rail. You could be effective if forwardly placed as long as you were off the inside.

Sunday, November 5

Fast & Firm
Shower
59
Wind 3 to 5 MPH West

The Main Track and both Turf Courses appeared to play fairly with no biases.

Saturday, November 4

Fast & Firm
Clear
55
Wind 5 MPH W/SW

The Main Track and both Turf Courses appeared to play fairly with no biases.

Friday, November 3

Fast & Good
Sunny
58
Wind 6 to 10 MPH North

While both courses played fairly, saving ground on the turf was at a premium. This is likely not so much a "bias" as the nature of the courses. Going forward, look for horses compromised by wide trips on the Aqueduct turf course.

Sunday, April 23

Fast & Firm
Sunny
58
Wind 6 to 10 MPH North

Saturday, April 22

Fast & Firm
Cloudy with Light Showers
58
Wind 2 to 6 MPH South, switching to North late

Both courses played fairly, though speed may have been an advantage on the main track.

Friday, April 21

Fast & Firm
Cloudy
56
Wind 3 to 7 MPH S/SW

Both courses played fairly, though speed may have been an advantage on the main track.

Thursday, April 20

Fast & Firm
Cloudy early - Clear later
62
Wind 3 to 6 MPH SW to NW

Main track and turf course both played fairly with no apparent biases.

Wednesday, April 19

Fast & Firm
Partly Cloudy
51
Wind 12 to 15 MPH NW

Main track and turf course both played fairly with no apparent biases.

Saturday, April 15

Fast & Firm
Partly Cloudy
59
Wind 10 MPH N/NW

Main track was tilted towards inside speed while the turf course played fairly.

Friday, April 14

Fast & Firm
Clear
62
Wind 8 MPH North

Main track and turf course both played fairly with no apparent biases.

Thursday, April 13

Fast & Firm
Partly Cloudy
61
Wind 4 to 8 MPH SE

Main track and turf course both played fairly with no apparent biases.

Wednesday, April 12

Fast & Firm
Sunny
65 degrees
Wind 5-9 MPH SE to East

The dirt track was likely more on the fair to even side, though speed was good, but it was likely situation with mostly very logical results. While speed did well on the turf, it was probably more situational, and with a faster pace, the 5th race was won by a closer.

Sunday, April 9

Fast ( 1-7, 9 ) Turf – Yielding ( 8th )
Sunny
60 degrees
Wind 7 MPH NE

Track was very strongly favoring speed, with even horses setting relatively fast paces generally holding well. The one turf race was dominated by the favorites in wire to wire fashion.

Saturday, April 8

Fast
Partly Cloudy
55
Wind 14 MPH E/SE

Track was very speed favoring. Pace collapses in races 7 & 12 were due to strong relative paces. The bias may have been most pronounced in the two turn race. Very tough to make up any real ground.

Friday, April 7

Muddy ( Harrowed )
Partly Cloudy
47 degrees
Wind 17 MPH E/NE

Track played fairly and evenly with no apparent bias.

Thursday, April 6

Sloppy ( Sealed )
Rain
60 degrees
Wind 11 mph SW ( Changed for the last two to N/NE )

While the riders often stayed a bit off the rail, there is no evidence any paths were bad, and the track seemed to play fairly despite the conditions.

Wednesday, April 5

Good
Clear
54 degrees
Wind 4 to 8 MPH North

Track played fairly and evenly with no apparent bias.

Sunday, April 2

Good ( 1-6 ) Fast ( 7-9 )
Clear
60 degrees
Wind 7 to 11 mph SW

Track played fairly and evenly with no apparent bias.

Saturday, April 1

Sloppy ( Sealed )
Cloudy
45 degrees
Wind 16 mph SE

The track seemed very fair. Speed was fine but closers also did well. The riders frequently stayed outside but there isn’t evidence the inside was bad.

Friday, March 31

Sloppy ( Sealed )
Rain
40 degrees
Wind 14 to 22 mph West

The track played relatively fairly in that speed did well but closers also won their share. Outside paths seemed better, and while the rail may have been deeper, the last winner made his move inside suggesting it wasn’t completely dead.

Sunday, March 26

Muddy 1-4 / Good 5-9
Cloudy/Scattered Showers
43 degrees
Wind 9 mph SW

Tricky track for closing day of the Inner. The rail appeared dead early, and the track was very slow, but this changed either after the 4th or 5th, when the track sped up and the rail also likely improved.

Saturday, March 25

Fast
Cloudy
58 degrees
Wind 4 to 7 mph SW

While the riders seemed to stay away from the rail in many cases, given the 5th race where the runner-up came through the inside, there is no evidence the rail was bad. The track appeared to play fairly.

Friday, March 24

Fast
Cloudy
49 degrees
Wind 12 mph N/NE

Track played fairly with no apparent bias.

Sunday, March 19

Good
Clear
45 degrees
Wind 10 to 13 mph S/SW

Track played fairly with no apparent bias.

Saturday, March 18

Good
Cloudy/Scattered Showers
39 degrees
Wind 9 to 13 mph SW

While most races were won by horses that raced on the rail or two path for the majority of the race, it's hard to define a strong bias, as it may have been somewhat situational. Still, there was likely at least a slight advantage to inside position ( one and two paths ) as well as horses that were at least forwardly placed.

Friday, March 17

Good
Clear
40 degrees
Wind 5 to 8 mph SE

Track played evenly and fairly with no apparent bias.

Sunday, March 12

Fast
Clear
30 degrees
Wind 12 to 14 mph East

Rail was a bit of an advantage but the results played fairly enough to assume the track was at least reasonably fair.

Saturday, March 11

Fast
Clear
30 degrees
Wind 15 mph SE

There was a clear edge to rail runners, and at least those that spent a significant portion of the race on the rail. It was possible to close, but the advantage was to inside speed.

Friday, March 10

Good ( Harrowed )
Snow/Cloudy
35 degrees
Wind 12 to 15 mph SE

The track played very fairly with no apparent bias

Sunday, March 5

Fast
Clear
35 degrees
Wind 10 to 13 mph SE

Strong inside bias. Rail runners pretty much dominated. The rail was good all weekend but was strongest today.

Saturday, March 4

Fast
Clear
30 degrees
Wind 18 to 21 mph SE

The wind could have affected the races, but it did feel like racing on the rail/inside was an advantage

Friday, March 3

Fast
Clear
39 degrees
Wind 12 to 15 mph SE

Advantage to horses that spent at least some of the race on the rail. Not an extreme rail bias, but an edge/advantage to the rail.

Sunday, February 26

Fast
Clear
42 degrees
Wind 12 mph East

Track played fairly throughout the day with no apparent bias.

Saturday, February 25

Fast
Cloudy/Foggy
56 degrees
Wind 8 to 11 mph N

Track played fairly throughout the day with no apparent bias. The rail was good but not a confirmed advantage.

Friday, February 24

Fast
Clear
60 degrees
Wind 8 to 12 mph N

Track played fairly throughout the day with no apparent bias.

Monday, February 20

Fast
Clear
52 degrees
Wind 8 - 10 mph SE

No apparent trends as the track seemed pretty much universally fair.

Sunday, February 19

Fast
Clear
60 degrees
Wind 8 to 11 mph SE

Track seemed to play very fairly, but there is an argument that you were better off outside, or at least a bit off the rail. Somewhat ambiguous.

Saturday, February 18

Fast
Clear
52 degrees
Wind 8 mph NE

Track played fairly throughout the day with no apparent bias

Friday, February 17

Fast
Clear
40 degrees
Wind 12 mph SE

Track played fairly. The rail was good but did not appear to be any real advantage.

Thursday, February 16

Fast
Clear
36 degrees
Wind 15 to 17 mph SW

Track strongly favored the rail/inside, with the vast majority of successful runners spending at least a major portion of the race on the rail. It almost certainly helped a number of runners outrun their odds.

Sunday, February 12

Sloppy ( sealed )
Raining
42
Winds 2 to 5mph – W/NW

Speed held well, and seemed preferable, but some closers ran OK. Riders frequently stayed outside, but enough horses ran well enough inside to suggest the track was at least relatively fair, or ambiguous at best.

Saturday, February 11

Fast
Cloudy
44 degrees
Wind 15mph West

Though possible to close off the rail in the stretch, there was a clear advantage to the rail runners, and horses that spent at least a significant portion of the race on the inside/rail.

2016

Saturday, December 31

fast
cloudy
12-17 SW

Inside speed and ground-saving trips were at a premium on a day that featured a strong rail / inside advantage.

Friday, December 30

good
cloudy
12-17 W

No apparent trends.

Thursday, December 29

muddy
rainy
5-10 SE

The rail / inside paths controlled the card first day back off the holiday break: six wire-to-wire winners in total over a sealed track that was tough for many horses to make up significant ground through the stretch.

Sunday, December 18

muddy
rainy
8-13 W, SW

No apparent trends over a marathon-like, 11-race program that featured a muddy, sealed track; final day of racing before the Big A’s holiday break.

Saturday, December 17

good
cloudy
5-10 W

Sizable rail / inside advantage on a day that featured five wire-to-wire winners and a pair of “chasing speeds” that raced in 2 ^nd before taking over.

Friday, December 16

fast
cloudy
10-15 W, SW

Chalk dust flew through the air on card that featured seven winning favorites and a pair of winning “second choices.”

Thursday, December 15

Racing was canceled due to the polar vortex.

Wednesday, December 14

fast
clear
5-10 W, NW

No apparent trends.

Sunday, December 11

fast
cloudy
0-5 W, SW

Inside trips – no matter a horse’s running style – were at a premium on a card that featured an edge to the rail / inside paths.

Saturday, December 10

fast
cloudy
8-12 W, NW

No apparent trends on a day with various successful trips and tactics.

Friday, December 9

fast
clear
15-20 W, NW

Another sizable edge to the rail / inside paths – and by extension, early speed – on this card: seven of the day’s eight winners were never worse than 2 ^nd and five horses scored wire-to-wire.

Thursday, December 8

fast
clear
8-13 W

The rail / inside paths were super live and were a big edge to horses throughout the program.

Wednesday, December 7

muddy
cloudy
2-7 N

Despite a resolute inside trip upset win from 9-1 shot Unrepented, opening day of the inner dirt track was dominated by wide / outside winning runs and trips; favorites won just one race (from 8) and most of the successful runners raced / rallied wide.

Sunday, December 4

fast, yielding
clear
5-10 N

No apparent trends on this final day of racing on both the main track and turf course till next spring.

Saturday, December 3

fast, soft
clear
15-20 NW

No apparent trends; back on the turf today for two races.

Friday, December 2

fast
clear
15-20 W

No apparent trends; no turf.

Thursday, December 1

muddy
clear
12-17 W

Typical wet track in which most riders avoided the inside paths, giving the card an outside “flow” and feel to it.

Wednesday, November 30

sloppy
rain
5-10 E

With the exception of a few runners, including the victorious 34-1 To the Victor, the majority of horses were kept off the inside paths.

Sunday, November 27

fast, good
clear
8-13 W, NW

No apparent trends over either surface.

Saturday, November 26

ft, gd
clear
8-12 N, NW

No apparent trends on an excellent Cigar Mile Day; stakes wins by Connect and Mo Town were solid as was firster Elate, who romped to a 12 ½-length maiden win for William I. Mott.

Friday, November 25

fast, good
cloudy
0-4 E, NE

No apparent trends on a chalky Big A Friday with seven winning favorites.

Thursday, November 24

fast, good
cloudy
2-7 NE

No apparent trends over either surface.

Wednesday, November 23

fast, good
clear
8-12 N, NW

No apparent trends; week began with no portable turf rail in use.

Sunday, November 20

Racing canceled because of extreme winds.

Saturday, November 19

fast, good
clear
5-10 E

Pace / early speed did very well over the main track as three of five dirt races were won wire-to-wire – note a couple of big-priced-pace-types also ran well in finishing second (16-1 Quai Voltaire and 22-1 Sal the Turtle.)

Friday, November 18

fast, good
clear
2-7 N, NW

Late, outside runs worked well over the turf course.

Thursday, November 17

fast, yielding
clear
5-10 NW

Outside speeds, stalkers and closers were still very effective over the main track – no surprise given the last few days of Big A racing – but Manipulated and Show Giant won races with rail/inside trips / stretch rallies; both turf races were won by wide, off-the-pace finishers.

Wednesday, November 16

good, good
clear
8-12 W

Main track featured an outside trip / run / flow throughout the card; just one turf race today – portable rail began the week set at 18’.

Sunday, November 13

fast, firm
Clear
8-12 W, SW

Despite a determined pace/inside-speed trip from 11-1 firster Mizzen Max, main track racing was dominated by outside runners, ralliers and overall flow.

Saturday, November 12

fast, firm
clear
8-12 W, NW

Edge went to outside trips / runners over the main track.

Friday, November 11

ft, fm
clear
15-20 W, NW

Even though short-priced favorites won the first four races, the main track played to an outside flow / edge as rail and inside-trip runners were rarely heard from.

Thursday, November 10

fast, firm
clear
8-13 W, NW

Well bet and logical horses controlled the card with seven combined winning favorites and second choices.

Wednesday, November 9

fast, firm
cloudy
5-9 N, NW

No apparent trends; first full Big A racing week began with the turf rail set at 9’.

Sunday, November 6

fast, firm
clear
10-15 N, NW

No apparent trends.

Saturday, November 5

fast, firm
clear
5-10 W, NW

No apparent trends

Friday, November 4

fast, firm
clear
8-13 N, NW

Opening day at the Big A saw four of six main track races won wire-to-wire.