A handful of stakes-seasoned veterans clash in Friday’s featured eighth race at Aqueduct, a second-level optional $40,000 claimer for New York-breds going a mile and 70 yards. Five of the seven older males have stakes experience, notably Uncle Sigh, the runner-up in the Withers and Gotham two winters ago; Bellamy Way, a close third in last year’s Albany; and Damage Control, who makes his first appearance since a wide, pace-pressing trip in the New York Derby last July. The field also includes More Zen Tea, the pacesetter in the Ashley T. Cole last September, and Sinistra, who is winless in eight starts since taking the 2014 Evan Shipman at 27-1 for Karl Grusmark. Sinistra’s nine in-the-money finishes on Aqueduct’s inner track include two wins and a runner-up finish in the Kings Point at 29-1 two seasons back. “You get him in a good position early, and he just kind of stays and wears down horses,” said Grusmark. Bellamy Way, trained by David Cannizzo, figures to go favored based on sharp form at the current meet. After breaking from the far outside and being narrowly beaten under Friday’s conditions most recently, he moves to the rail. Race 8 KEY CONTENDERS Bellamy Way, by Bellamy Road Last 3 Beyers: 91-79-85 :: Bet Aqueduct with DRF Bets and get FREE access to this article and all of DRF Plus, including Aqueduct selections, video, and real-time analysis. ◗ He has been in the money in seven straight starts since finishing unplaced in the 2014 Sleepy Hollow at age 2. Comes off a lifetime-best Beyer Speed Figure when 10 lengths clear for second in his first try at this level. Damage Control, by Hard Spun Last 3 Beyers: 48-95-76 ◗ Although unraced since last summer, both victories came with nearly eight weeks between starts, beginning with a front-running maiden graduation on the inner track last year. ◗ His allowance win at Belmont Park last June earned a 95 Beyer, the fastest race posted by any of these entrants in 2015. More Zen Tea, by Roaring Fever Last 3 Beyers: 74-83-87 ◗ The versatile 8-year-old gets a switch back to Manuel Franco, who was aboard when he beat $32,000 claimers in his first time on the inner track. ◗ The field’s most experienced runner has posted exacta finishes in 21 of his 41 career starts. Uncle Sigh, by Indian Charlie Last 3 Beyers: 73-86-70 ◗ Won off a private purchase while making his initial start for current trainer Bill Mott at Aqueduct’s fall meet. Looks to rebound after failing to fire in the mud.