Backyard Heaven will likely have to wait

There is an eight-race card scheduled for Friday at Aqueduct, but with a high of 16 degrees and wind chills forecast for below zero, it is unlikely to be run.

If by chance there is racing, the feature is a first-level allowance for 4-year-olds and up going a mile. The race would mark the first start against winners for Backyard Heaven, who on Dec. 10 won a one-mile maiden race by five lengths in his second start. The son of Tizway ran a mile in 1:38.31 and earned a 97 Beyer Speed Figure.

He drew post 7 in a field of nine for Friday, and trainer Chad Brown has named Trevor McCarthy to ride.

Rudy Rodriguez has two contenders led by Hammerin Aamer, who finished second, beaten 1 1/2 lengths in a first-level allowance going a mile on that same Dec. 10 card. His race went in 1:38.20. Hammerin Aamer has the rail and Paco Lopez.

Rodriguez’s other horse is Broken Engagement, fourth in that same allowance race. He is coupled in the wagering with Donji, trained by Robertino Diodoro. Donji most recently raced in Southern California but was purchased privately by Michael Dubb, part-owner of Broken Engagement.