Today’s Thoroughbred Horse Racing News — September 18, 2025

Today’s racing action across North America features competitive thoroughbred cards, with major events at Aqueduct Racetrack. This article provides comprehensive coverage including race results and news from each track hosting thoroughbred events, profiles of horses to watch, and a preview of upcoming major races on the calendar. Check insights on favorite contenders, up-and-coming talent, and the latest stories shaping the sport on September 18.

Feature Races and Results

Aqueduct Racetrack

• Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, NY delivered an engaging program this Thursday, highlighted by the featured Allowance Optional Claiming event on the main track.• In the featured 7th race, Naval Hero edged out True North Star after a sharp stretch duel, giving jockey Jose Ortiz his second win of the afternoon.

  • The opening maiden special weight for 2-year-olds produced a notable debut as Justified Hope dispatched the field by three lengths with a powerful late kick.

  • An earlier turf allowance saw veteran sprinter City Groove rally under rider Kendrick Carmouche, rewarding patient backers with a decisive late move.

  • In claiming action, longshot Polar Passage sprung an upset at 15-1, surviving a blanket finish and confirming promising recent works.

Stars to Watch

• Naval Hero (Aqueduct): After an outstanding performance in today’s allowance contest, Naval Hero looks poised as a future stakes contender for trainer Linda Rice.
• Justified Hope (Aqueduct): The flashy juvenile impressed on debut and is expected to step up to stakes company soon, based on the colt’s pedigree and connections with trainer Christophe Clement.
• City Groove (Aqueduct): This 6-year-old gelding continues a consistent season with today’s turf win, displaying adaptability and late turn of foot for trainer Rob Atras.

Upcoming Major Races

• Pennsylvania Derby (Parx Racing): While scheduled for September 20, top 3-year-olds including Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Baeza, recent Coaching Club American Invitational Stakes winner Scottish Lassie, and Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer are targeting Saturday’s marquee races. Today’s cards at Aqueduct help shape the fields for these upcoming showdowns.
• Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes: Slated for Friday, September 19, the Masters Stakes will feature top sprinters in the final round of major preps leading to autumn’s championship season.
• No major stakes races are listed on today’s North American thoroughbred schedule; the focus is on allowance, maiden, and claiming events priming contenders for upcoming stakes fixtures.