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Aqueduct presents a nine-race card on Friday, November 14, 2025, highlighted by the Grade 3 Notebook Stakes for New York-bred two-year-olds in the fifth race. The card features a mix of claiming races, maiden events, and one stakes race with purses ranging from $28,000 to $125,000. First post time is 12:10 PM EST with races scheduled throughout the afternoon into early evening.
The scratch watch includes several potential scratches across multiple races, with Complex Music and Golden Plate in Race 2 listed as main-track-only entries, and several horses in Race 8 showing illness-related concerns.
Weather and Track Conditions
The main track is listed as GOOD (sealed) with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s expected throughout the day. The turf courses are rated FIRM, with the outer turf rail positioned at 24 feet. Weather conditions show decreasing clouds with partial sunshine, though isolated rain or snow showers remain possible.
Track superintendent notes from recent days indicate both turf and dirt surfaces have been playing fairly, with the turf courses trending slightly toward the Good side of Firm. The main track has been producing quick times with a slight speed advantage in recent cards.
Post position statistics at Aqueduct show inside posts 1-6 maintain an advantage in both sprints and routes, particularly in smaller fields. The inner turf course has shown a more pronounced inside bias when the rail is at zero, while the outer turf with rails out typically plays more fairly. On dirt, outside posts 8 and beyond face disadvantages, particularly in route races starting near the clubhouse turn.
Race 1 – Claiming Fillies and Mares
Post Time: 12:10 PM
This six-furlong dirt claiming event for fillies and mares three years old and upward carries a $28,000 purse with a $10,000 claiming tag. The field of six includes multiple horses dropping in class or showing recent form inconsistencies.
Pace Analysis
The early pace projects as moderate with Spring Magic and Mambagigi likely pressing from the start. Echo in Eternity typically sits closer to the pace, which could prove beneficial if the pace becomes contentious. Book of Wisdom has shown early speed in recent starts but may lack the tactical speed of the top contenders.
Key Contenders
Echo in Eternity draws the outside post and represents trainer Linda Rice after being claimed for $25,000. This sharp drop to $10,000 raises concerns but the mare has shown ability at higher levels and handles the sprint distance effectively. Jose Lezcano takes the mount, providing experienced piloting. The drop suggests connections believe she can dominate this level despite recent disappointments.
Mambagigi has won twice in her last three starts and shows consistent form for trainer Chris Englehart. Manuel Franco rides, and the combination has been productive at the current Aqueduct meet. Her tactical speed allows positioning flexibility, and she handles the distance well.
Secondary Choices
Spring Magic brings seasoning with 25 career starts and sports an acceptable record at this level. Jaime Rodriguez rides for trainer Orlando Noda, who has multiple entries across the card. Her form has been steady, though she lacks a recent victory to inspire strong confidence.
Ghostly Girl is listed at long odds but has shown flashes in recent efforts. Ruben Silvera rides for trainer Gregory Charlerie, and the five-year-old mare could benefit from an honest pace scenario.
Selections
Win: Echo in Eternity
Place: Mambagigi
Show: Spring Magic
Race 2 – Claiming Three Year Olds and Upward
Post Time: 12:40 PM
Seven three-year-olds and older compete at six furlongs on dirt in a $43,000 purse event with a $30,000 claiming price. The race restricts entrants to horses that have never won three races, creating a competitive claiming sprint.
Pace Analysis
Free Dance and Capt Jax Parrow should engage early with Social Hour likely stalking just off the pace. Golden Plate brings route experience but may need to adjust tactics for the sprint distance. The pace should be honest without being suicidal, setting up a competitive finish.
Key Contenders
Free Dance draws post three with Joel Rosario aboard for trainer Chris Englehart. The three-year-old colt shows tactical speed and has faced quality competition in recent starts. His running style suits the likely pace scenario, and Rosario’s ability to judge pace could prove decisive.
Social Hour represents trainer Orlando Noda with Christopher Elliott riding. Listed as a main-track-only entry, this gelding shows versatility and has competed effectively at this level. His stalking style should allow him to track the pace and pounce in the stretch.
Secondary Choices
Golden Plate ships in from trainer Linda Rice showing recent illness scratches. Kendrick Carmouche takes the mount on the four-year-old gelding making his first start since early November. The layoff and health concerns present questions, but Rice’s barn typically has horses ready.
Panagiotis breaks from post four with Dylan Davis riding for Dimitrios Synnefias. The three-year-old gelding has competed in similar company and could benefit from a favorable trip.
Selections
Win: Free Dance
Place: Social Hour
Show: Golden Plate
Race 3 – New York-Bred Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 1:10 PM
Seven New York-bred maidens compete at 6.5 furlongs on dirt for an $80,000 purse. The field includes several horses making second or third career starts, along with more experienced runners seeking their maiden diploma.
Pace Analysis
Counter Move and Speightful Storm project as the main early speed, with Merica’s Back likely pressing from his inside post. Poppy’s Ticket could factor early as well, setting up a contested pace that may favor closers or stalkers with tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Merica’s Back draws post four with Flavien Prat aboard for trainer Michael Maker. The three-year-old gelding makes his second start following a debut effort that showed promise. Prat’s presence suggests connections view this as a live opportunity, and the inside post provides positional advantages.
Speightful Storm represents trainer James Bond with Manuel Franco riding. The three-year-old gelding shows works suggesting readiness, and Franco continues his productive meet. His early speed could secure position advantages if he breaks alertly.
Secondary Choices
Counter Move brings Jose Lezcano aboard for trainer George Weaver. The three-year-old gelding has shown ability in prior starts and could benefit from a contentious early pace. Weaver’s success with maidens makes this runner worth consideration.
Guilty draws post six with Javier Castellano aboard for trainer Bruce Levine. The high-profile jockey suggests connections believe the gelding is sitting on a breakthrough effort.
Longshots
Poppy’s Ticket brings Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard for Chris Englehart, representing value if the pace collapses. His closing kick could prove effective in a speed-favoring scenario.
Selections
Win: Merica’s Back
Place: Speightful Storm
Show: Guilty
Race 4 – Two Year Old Maiden Special Weight on Turf
Post Time: 1:40 PM
Thirteen two-year-old maidens compete at six furlongs on the outer turf course for an $85,000 purse. The large field includes several first-time starters from prominent connections, making this a challenging handicapping puzzle.
Pace Analysis
The wide-open pace scenario features multiple potential speed horses including Gypsy Art, Bod Beach, and Brooklyn Styles. With the rail at 24 feet and thirteen runners, post position becomes critical. Inside posts should provide advantages given the turf bias, though traffic concerns exist in a large field.
Key Contenders
Gypsy Art represents trainer Wesley Ward with John Velazquez aboard. Ward’s prowess with turf juveniles is well-documented, and Velazquez provides world-class guidance. The combination merits respect despite limited information on the colt’s readiness.
Brooklyn Styles draws post nine with Joel Rosario riding for trainer Miguel Clement. Clement has been sharp with maidens on turf, and Rosario’s tactical awareness could prove valuable in navigating traffic.
Secondary Choices
Eva Ready brings Flavien Prat aboard for trainer Chad Brown. Brown’s success with first-time starters on turf is legendary, and Prat rarely accepts mounts lacking ability. The outside post presents challenges, but quality often overcomes post position.
Dark Force represents George Weaver with John Velazquez riding. The trainer-jockey combination suggests confidence, and Weaver’s recent form at the meet has been solid.
Longshots
Chasing Freedom brings Manuel Franco aboard for trainer Rob Atras. Franco’s current form makes any mount worth consideration, and the gelding could provide value if he shows ability.
Selections
Win: Brooklyn Styles
Place: Eva Ready
Show: Gypsy Art
Race 5 – Notebook Stakes
Post Time: 2:10 PM
The featured Notebook Stakes for New York-bred two-year-olds contested at one mile on turf carries a $125,000 purse. Eleven runners compete in this test of developing juveniles, with several having shown promise in recent starts.
Pace Analysis
Spirit of New York projects as the likely pacesetter, having shown forward placement in prior starts. Truman’s Commander and Caroline St. Beat should press the pace, setting up a tactical battle throughout. The mile distance on turf tests stamina and class, with closers like Jaxer potentially benefiting from a contested pace.
Key Contenders
Spirit of New York draws the rail with Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard for trainer Adam Rice. The gelding has won two of three career starts while showing tactical speed and determination. His most recent victory displayed ability to rate off the pace and respond to challenges, suggesting maturity beyond his age. The rail position on the turf course provides a significant advantage with the inside bias evident in recent racing.
Caroline St. Beat represents trainer Miguel Clement with Manuel Franco riding. Handicappers have identified this colt as a major threat given his tactical versatility and strong recent works. Franco’s hot hand at the current meet adds appeal, and Clement’s ability to place horses advantageously in stakes company merits respect.
Secondary Choices
Jaxer brings Flavien Prat aboard for trainer Graham Motion. This runner has proven himself at the one-mile distance and shows a pedigree suggesting stamina. His tactical style allows positioning flexibility, and Prat’s ability to judge pace could prove decisive if the early pace becomes contested.
Truman’s Commander represents trainer Mark Casse with Dylan Davis riding. Casse’s success with developing juveniles is well-known, and this colt has shown steady improvement in recent starts.
Longshots
Lawyer Mason brings John Velazquez aboard for trainer Thomas Morley. Velazquez rarely accepts mounts in stakes races without believing in the horse’s chances, making this one worth a look at a price.
Selections
Win: Spirit of New York
Place: Caroline St. Beat
Show: Jaxer
Race 6 – Two Year Old New York-Bred Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 2:39 PM
Twelve New York-bred two-year-olds compete at 6.5 furlongs on dirt for a $48,000 purse with a $50,000 claiming tag. The field includes several first-time starters alongside runners with experience, creating varied pace dynamics.
Pace Analysis
Hurricane Kaz and Kid Rich project as the main early speed with Rumblyoungmanrumbl likely pressing. The pace should be contested but manageable, potentially setting up stalkers and closers for late runs.
Key Contenders
Hurricane Kaz draws post nine with Manuel Franco aboard for trainer Dimitrios Synnefias. Franco’s current form makes him dangerous on any mount, and this colt has shown ability in recent works. The middle post position provides tactical flexibility.
Kid Rich represents trainer Linda Rice with Kendrick Carmouche riding. Rice leads the trainer standings at the current meet, and her juveniles typically show up ready. The combination merits respect in maiden claiming company.
Secondary Choices
Runaway Roscoe brings Junior Alvarado aboard for Chris Englehart. The trainer has multiple entries on the card and could have one firing here. Alvarado’s experience with maidens provides an edge.
Rumblyoungmanrumbl draws the eleven post with Javier Castellano riding for Gregory Sacco. Castellano’s presence suggests connections view this as a live opportunity despite the outside draw.
Selections
Win: Hurricane Kaz
Place: Kid Rich
Show: Rumblyoungmanrumbl
Race 7 – Claiming Non-Winners of Three
Post Time: 3:09 PM
Nine runners compete at 6.5 furlongs on dirt for a $33,000 purse with a $17,500 claiming tag. The field includes horses three years old and upward that have never won three races, creating competitive claiming conditions.
Pace Analysis
Tarpaulin and Heavyweight Champs should engage early with Ava’s Uncle Billy likely stalking. The pace projects as contested without being suicidal, potentially favoring horses with tactical speed or strong closing kicks.
Key Contenders
Ava’s Uncle Billy draws post six with Manuel Franco aboard for trainer Chris Englehart. Franco continues his productive meet, and Englehart has shown strong form with claimers. The four-year-old gelding shows tactical versatility and should secure a favorable position.
Heavyweight Champs represents trainer Rudy Rodriguez with Ricardo Santana Jr. riding. The four-year-old gelding has shown consistency at this level and brings experienced connections.
Secondary Choices
Brave Buck brings Kendrick Carmouche aboard for Linda Rice. Rice’s current form makes any runner from her barn worth consideration, and Carmouche handles claimers effectively.
Tarpaulin represents Orlando Noda with Dylan Davis riding. Noda has multiple entries across the card, suggesting confidence in his string’s current form.
Selections
Win: Ava’s Uncle Billy
Place: Heavyweight Champs
Show: Brave Buck
Race 8 – Starter Optional Claiming
Post Time: 3:39 PM
Sixteen runners compete at 1 1/16 miles on turf in a $65,000 starter optional claiming event. The large field includes horses three years old and upward with varied form and class levels, creating a wide-open handicapping scenario.
Pace Analysis
The large field complicates pace projections, though several runners show early speed tendencies. The extended distance allows pace dynamics to develop naturally, likely favoring horses with tactical speed or strong closing kicks. Post position becomes critical with sixteen runners, as traffic concerns abound.
Key Contenders
Just for Luck draws post eleven with Flavien Prat aboard for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. The five-year-old gelding shows form at this level and brings quality connections. Prat’s presence suggests live chances despite the outside post.
House United represents trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci with Manuel Franco riding. Listed as a main-track-only entry previously, connections show confidence by entering here. Franco’s current form elevates any mount he accepts.
Secondary Choices
Rabaja brings Javier Castellano aboard for trainer James Bond. The four-year-old gelding has competed effectively at this level and could benefit from Castellano’s tactical awareness.
Hedge the Risk represents trainer Joe Sharp with Kendrick Carmouche riding. The middle post position provides flexibility, and Sharp’s form with routers has been solid.
Longshots
American Grant brings Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard for trainer Bruce Brown. Recent scratches due to illness raise questions, but the talent exists if he returns to form.
Selections
Win: Just for Luck
Place: House United
Show: Rabaja
Race 9 – New York-Bred Two Year Old Maiden Special Weight on Turf
Post Time: 4:09 PM
Sixteen New York-bred two-year-old maidens compete at six furlongs on the outer turf course for an $80,000 purse. The massive field includes several first-time starters alongside experienced runners, creating challenging handicapping conditions.
Pace Analysis
With sixteen runners, pace dynamics become unpredictable. Multiple horses show speed figures suggesting early positioning battles. The outer turf rail at 24 feet and large field size make post position critical, with inside posts holding significant advantages based on recent bias patterns.
Key Contenders
Twenty One Red draws post four with Manuel Franco aboard for trainer George Weaver. Weaver has shown strong form at the meet, and Franco continues rolling. The favorable post position provides a significant edge in the large field.
My Munny Talks brings Flavien Prat aboard for trainer Brad Cox. Cox’s national prominence and Prat’s tactical brilliance make this combination dangerous despite limited information on the colt’s readiness.
Secondary Choices
Cerro Rico represents trainer Thomas Morley with John Velazquez riding. The combination of Morley’s juvenile development skills and Velazquez’s world-class ability merits respect, though the inside post presents traffic concerns.
Tampa Storm brings Junior Alvarado aboard for Chris Englehart. Englehart has multiple shots throughout the card, and Alvarado handles maidens effectively.
Longshots
Music in Motion represents Linda Rice with Kendrick Carmouche riding. Rice leads the meet in wins, and her juveniles typically show up prepared. The middle post position provides tactical options.
Selections
Win: Twenty One Red
Place: My Munny Talks
Show: Cerro Rico
Jockey Notes and Insights
Manuel Franco continues his dominant form at the Aqueduct meet with multiple riding opportunities across today’s card. Franco has shown particular effectiveness when paired with trainers Chris Englehart and George Weaver, making his mounts in Races 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 worthy of extra attention. His tactical awareness and ability to judge pace have produced consistent results throughout the fall meet.
Javier Castellano draws quality mounts in Races 3, 5, 6, and 8, suggesting trainers view today’s card as offering legitimate opportunities. Castellano’s experience at Aqueduct and ability to overcome post position disadvantages make his mounts worth consideration even from difficult draws. His partnership with trainer George Weaver has been productive.
Flavien Prat accepts mounts in Races 3, 4, 5, and 8, indicating trainers believe these horses possess genuine ability. Prat rarely accepts mounts without confidence in their chances, particularly in stakes races like the Notebook. His tactical brilliance and European-influenced riding style work effectively on turf.
Ricardo Santana Jr. rides in multiple races including the featured Notebook Stakes aboard Spirit of New York. Santana has shown strong form at the meet and pairs well with various trainers. His ability to judge pace and find racing room in traffic makes him dangerous throughout the card.
Jose Lezcano takes mounts for trainer Linda Rice in Races 1 and 3, continuing their productive partnership. Lezcano’s experience at Aqueduct and understanding of track biases provide advantages, particularly on the dirt surface.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Linda Rice leads the trainer standings at the current Aqueduct meet with 22 wins, demonstrating her stable’s strong form. Rice has entries in Races 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9, providing multiple opportunities to add to her win total. Her claiming horses typically show up competitive, and her juvenile development program produces results.
Chris Englehart maintains a strong presence with entries in Races 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and others. Englehart’s success rate of approximately 8% over the last 21 days understates his ability to place horses advantageously. His partnership with Franco has produced consistent returns, and his claiming horses typically compete well.
George Weaver sends out contenders in Races 3, 4, 5, and 9, including multiple favorites. Weaver’s ability to develop maidens and place horses in appropriate spots has been evident throughout the meet. His partnership with Castellano provides quality piloting.
Orlando Noda has multiple entries across the card in Races 1, 2, and 7. Noda’s claiming horses show consistency, and his ability to spot runners advantageously merits attention.
Miguel Clement conditions runners in Races 4 and 5, including Caroline St. Beat in the featured Notebook Stakes. Clement’s success with turf horses and ability to develop juveniles make his entries worth following.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The featured Notebook Stakes in Race 5 offers the best betting opportunity of the day. Spirit of New York appears undervalued at projected odds given his rail post advantage and demonstrated class. Constructing vertical exotics using Spirit of New York on top with Caroline St. Beat, Jaxer, and Truman’s Commander provides solid coverage.
Race 1 presents a straightforward race where Echo in Eternity’s class drop suggests dominance. Playing her to win while constructing exactas and trifectas using Mambagigi and Spring Magic underneath provides value. The small field size makes rolling exotic sequences more manageable.
Race 8’s large field creates chaos that savvy handicappers can exploit. Just for Luck appears undervalued with Prat aboard, while House United brings Franco’s hot hand. Constructing trifectas and superfectas using these two with Rabaja, Hedge the Risk, and American Grant provides coverage at appealing prices.
The Pick 4 covering Races 6-9 offers value given the maiden race chaos in Races 6 and 9. Spreading in those races while singling stronger opinions in Races 7 and 8 creates manageable ticket costs with solid upside. Using Hurricane Kaz and Kid Rich in Race 6, Ava’s Uncle Billy in Race 7, Just for Luck and House United in Race 8, and Twenty One Red with My Munny Talks in Race 9 provides balanced coverage.
Early Pick 5 coverage starting from Race 1 allows budget-conscious players to construct tickets using singles in Race 1 (Echo in Eternity) and Race 3 (Merica’s Back) while spreading in Races 2, 4, and 5. This structure provides reasonable coverage while maintaining manageable costs.
Race 4’s large maiden field on turf suggests passing or using minimal coverage in rolling exotic sequences. The unpredictability of first-time starters combined with post position concerns makes this race challenging. Handicappers seeking Pick 3 or Pick 4 coverage should spread wide here.
Daily double opportunities exist connecting Race 5 (Notebook Stakes) to Race 6. Using Spirit of New York and Caroline St. Beat in Race 5 with Hurricane Kaz, Kid Rich, and Rumblyoungmanrumbl in Race 6 creates an appealing wager with manageable costs.
Race 7’s competitive claiming race offers value on Ava’s Uncle Billy given Franco’s current form and Englehart’s success with claimers. Win betting provides straightforward value, while exacta boxes using Heavyweight Champs and Brave Buck offer additional coverage.
The weather conditions favoring the main track make dirt races potentially more predictable than turf events. If turf races transfer to the main track, bias patterns suggest inside speed holds significant advantages. Adjusting selections to favor early speed from inside posts becomes critical.
Cross-race exotic sequences connecting the Notebook Stakes (Race 5) to subsequent races offer value given the anticipated favorite status of Spirit of New York. Using him as a single in Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 sequences creates foundation plays allowing spreading in surrounding races.
