Turfway Park spot plays for Jan. 29

Another enticing eight-race program awaits horseplayers at Turfway Park on Friday. Nine are set for the opener, and it’s only race with less than 12 runners entered.

Here are three horses of interest:

Race 3 -- 7:16 p.m. ET

#9 Areemaa recorded a couple of encouraging thirds on turf last fall, and she performed respectably when switching to Turfway’s synthetic track last out. She’s bred to relish all-weather tracks – her dam, Mezah, is a half-brother to Dullahan, a multiple Grade 1 winner on synthetic tracks; and 2009 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Mine That Bird, who was named Canada’s champion 2-year-old after competing on Woodbine’s all-weather oval.

Cipriano Contreras is winning at a 26% clip this meet, and horses transferring into his stable tend to run well the second time out (28% win). Areemaa showed improved speed against maiden special weight foes when making her first start for Contreras last time, and the 4-year-old filly looks primed to graduate dropping into a $30,000 maiden claimer Friday.

Race 5

Trainer Michael McCarthy has gotten off to a fast start at Turfway, posting a 2-1-0 record from five starts, and #3 Nurturing appears well-spotted against maiden special weight foes tonight. The $125,000 Violence filly exits a couple of tough turf maiden special weights at Del Mar, and she displayed improved tactical speed most recently.

Nurturing adds Lasix and Gerardo Corrales in the mile race, and the dark day is listed at an enticing 6-1 on the morning line.

Race 7

Plenty of speed is signed on for the 6 1/2-furlong allowance/optional claimer, and #11 Caramelito should receive an ideal setup in his second start back from freshening.

The 4-year-old gelding discovered his best form early last season, stringing together four commendable performances, but tailed off during the fall. After some time off, he returned with a fine second at Turfway on Dec. 19, missing by a nose at this level, and Caramelito should keep moving forward off the encouraging effort.