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Aqueduct hosts an eight-race card on Friday, December 12, 2025, featuring a mix of maiden claiming, maiden special weight, allowance, and claiming events exclusively on the main dirt track. The card begins at 12:40 PM EST and showcases numerous New York-bred runners across multiple divisions. The day features several competitive races with quality trainers including Brad Cox, Chad Brown, Linda Rice, and Michael Maker represented throughout the card.
The meet continues to be dominated by trainer Linda Rice, who leads the current standings with 22 wins, followed by Richard Dutrow Jr. with 16 wins and Brad Cox with 11 victories. Leading jockeys at the current meet include top riders Manuel Franco, Flavien Prat, Jose Lezcano, and Kendrick Carmouche, all of whom have multiple mounts on today’s card.
Weather and Track Conditions
Friday’s weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high temperature around 30-37 degrees Fahrenheit and a low near 15-28 degrees. West winds are expected at 12-20 mph with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph, following a wind advisory that expires early Friday morning. The track should be listed as fast with no precipitation expected, though the cold temperatures and wind could impact running times slightly.
These conditions typically produce a fair racing surface at Aqueduct, though horseplayers should monitor for any maintenance or track preparation adjustments due to the cold temperatures and wind conditions.
Track Bias and Post Position Statistics
Recent observations at Aqueduct indicate the main track has been playing fairly overall, with no significant bias favoring either speed or closers. The track underwent relay work several years ago that shifted it from a speed-favoring surface to one more versatile for different running styles.
Post position statistics show some tendencies worth noting. In sprints, posts 1-6 tend to be more profitable, with the inside posts showing approximately 17 percent win rates historically. However, the current fall meet has not demonstrated an extreme inside bias. In routes, post position 4 has shown a slight edge with approximately 19.4 percent of winners, though no dramatic bias exists.
Handicappers should note that in smaller fields of six to seven horses, inside posts can provide a tactical advantage for saving ground, while in larger fields the outside posts may offer cleaner trips.
Race 1: Maiden Claiming for NY-Bred 2YOs
Post Time: 12:40 PM
Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs, Dirt
Purse: $38,000
Claiming Price: $30,000
Pace Analysis
This six-horse maiden claiming event for New York-bred two-year-olds should develop into a contested pace scenario with multiple horses showing early speed tendencies. The relatively short field and distance suggest tactical positioning will be crucial, with the winner likely coming from horses able to secure favorable early positions.
Key Contenders
Hellz Kitchen draws significant attention as the likely favorite shipping in from the powerful Michael Maker barn with Flavien Prat aboard. Maker has demonstrated strong success at Aqueduct, and the Prat partnership provides a considerable tactical advantage. The combination of a quality barn making the trip and one of the meet’s leading riders suggests confidence in this runner’s chances. The 2-1 morning line appears reasonable given these connections.
Kid Rich represents trainer Linda Rice, the meet’s leading conditioner with 22 wins, and pairs with Kendrick Carmouche, who has been effective at the current stand. Rice’s dominance at Aqueduct cannot be overstated, as she consistently finds spots for her New York-breds. The inside post position provides a tactical edge in this smaller field, allowing the rider to dictate pace and save ground throughout.
Thirsted brings solid form into this assignment for trainer Michelle Nevin with Manuel Franco in the irons. Franco ranks among the meet leaders and provides quality piloting. The horse showed competitiveness in previous efforts and the Franco connection suggests barn confidence in improvement.
Secondary Choices
Never Say Uncle represents the John Terranova barn with Christopher Elliott riding. While Elliott’s statistics show more modest numbers, Terranova has been competitive at the meet and this runner could benefit from any pace meltdown.
Winston D trains under Melanie Giddings and draws Jose Antonio Gomez. Giddings has shown capable numbers at the meet and this runner could factor if finding the right trip.
Betting Strategy
The most prudent approach involves using Hellz Kitchen and Kid Rich in the top spots while spreading underneath for value. An exacta box of the top two provides solid coverage, while adding Thirsted in trifecta combinations offers additional depth. Consider Hellz Kitchen on top in vertical exotics to start multi-race sequences.
Selections
Win: Hellz Kitchen
Place: Kid Rich
Show: Thirsted
Race 2: Maiden Special Weight for NY-Bred 3YO+
Post Time: 1:10 PM
Distance: 6 Furlongs, Dirt
Purse: $80,000
Pace Analysis
This maiden special weight sprint for older New York-breds features six runners and should produce honest fractions. The step up in purse money from the opener indicates higher quality horses, though the fact these are older maidens suggests each has encountered issues preventing graduation. Pace should be moderately contested with tactical positioning crucial at the sprint distance.
Key Contenders
Speightful Storm towers over this field as the standout choice for trainer H. James Bond with Manuel Franco riding. Franco’s presence signals strong barn confidence, and the combination of leading jockey with solid connections makes this one difficult to oppose. The morning line favorite status at 2-1 appears entirely justified, and this runner should control the race flow from a favorable post.
Tomschickenfingers, a four-year-old gelding, brings experience to this spot for trainer Michelle Nevin with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. The age factor could work both ways – either providing seasoning and maturity or raising questions about ability. Carmouche gives quality handling and Nevin has been placing horses effectively.
Secondary Choices
Alzero represents the Kevin Bond barn with Christopher Elliott riding. The horse has shown some efforts in previous starts but faces a quality favorite. Could factor if the favorite underperforms or finds trouble.
Sammy C Note trains for Gary Sciacca with Ruben Silvera aboard. Silvera has demonstrated competency at the meet and this runner could surprise at a square price if finding the right trip.
Betting Strategy
This race sets up as a potential single in multi-race wagers given Speightful Storm’s apparent edge. Using the favorite on top in exactas and keying over the field in trifectas makes sense. Consider this race as an anchor leg in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences while respecting the possibility of an upset by spreading slightly underneath.
Selections
Win: Speightful Storm
Place: Tomschickenfingers
Show: Alzero
Race 3: Allowance for NY-Bred 2YO Fillies
Post Time: 1:40 PM
Distance: 7 Furlongs, Dirt
Purse: $81,000
Pace Analysis
This allowance test for New York-bred juvenile fillies stretching out to seven furlongs should produce an intriguing pace scenario. Six fillies will contest this event, and the longer distance will test both speed and stamina. The quality level appears competitive with several runners from top barns, suggesting honest fractions throughout.
Key Contenders
The race features a fascinating battle between stablemates from the powerful Brad Cox barn. Pinky Brier draws Flavien Prat from post 5 while St. Brigid’s Cross pairs with Manuel Franco from post 6. Cox sending two quality fillies creates a unique dynamic, with both jockeys among the meet leaders. Prat’s presence on Pinky Brier at 2-1 morning line suggests she may be the primary Cox representative, though Franco on the stablemate complicates matters.
Lady Rose represents leading trainer Linda Rice with Jose Lezcano riding from post 4. Rice’s meet-leading statistics make any of her runners dangerous, and Lezcano provides quality handling. The middle post position offers tactical flexibility, and Rice’s 20 percent win rate at the current stand demands respect.
Rina’s Revenge ships from the Kenneth McPeek barn with Christopher Elliott aboard from post 2. McPeek sends quality stock to New York tracks, and the early post could prove beneficial if the filly shows early speed.
Secondary Choices
Lovely Pashyn trains for Paul Barrow with Kendrick Carmouche riding. While listed at 20-1 on the morning line, Carmouche’s presence and the allowance conditions suggest this filly could offer value if the pace sets up favorably.
Dopamine rounds out the field as a longshot for trainer Josue Arce. The 20-1 morning line suggests limited expectations but could factor if the pace collapses.
Betting Strategy
The Cox stablemate entry complicates wagering strategy. Using both Cox fillies in exotic wagers while keying Lady Rose provides broad coverage of the most likely winners. Consider boxing the top three choices in exactas and spreading wider in trifectas to capture value. This competitive race could produce solid payoffs despite short-priced favorites.
Selections
Win: Pinky Brier
Place: St. Brigid’s Cross
Show: Lady Rose
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight for Fillies and Mares
Post Time: 2:10 PM
Distance: 1 Mile, Dirt
Purse: $85,000
Pace Analysis
This maiden special weight route for older fillies and mares stretching to one mile should produce more measured early fractions. Seven fillies will contest this event, and the distance shift to two turns will favor horses with stamina and tactical speed rather than pure sprinting ability. Expect a more honest pace development with the longer distance sorting out quality.
Key Contenders
Chad Brown sends two quality fillies in this spot – Ellesmere Island with Manuel Franco from post 1 and Tatania with Flavien Prat from post 6. Brown’s dominance in maiden races at New York tracks is well-documented, having recently secured his 36th NYRA training title. Franco piloting one Brown filly and Prat on the other creates similar dynamics to Race 3. The morning line suggests Tatania at 3-1 may be the preferred Brown runner over Ellesmere Island at 9-2.
She’s a Gemma represents the powerful William Mott barn with Sahin Civaci riding from post 4. Mott consistently sends quality maidens to Aqueduct, and the middle post position offers tactical flexibility. The 5-2 morning line indicates solid support for this runner.
Secondary Choices
Trango Tower trains for Linda Rice with Jose Lezcano aboard from post 5. Rice and Lezcano have been effective together at the meet, and this filly gets a solid opportunity. The 4-1 morning line suggests respect from morning line makers.
My Sherrona represents trainer Raymond Handal with Christopher Elliott riding from post 2. The inside post could prove beneficial if this filly shows tactical speed.
Snide also trains for Rice with Kendrick Carmouche aboard from post 3. Rice’s double entry suggests confidence in one or both of these fillies.
Betting Strategy
The presence of multiple Brown and Rice runners creates opportunities for strategic wagering. Keying the favored Brown filly Tatania on top while using both Rice runners and the Mott filly underneath provides solid coverage. Consider exacta boxes using the top choices and spreading wider in trifectas and superfectas given the competitive nature.
Selections
Win: Tatania
Place: She’s a Gemma
Show: Ellesmere Island
Race 5: Maiden Claiming for 3YO+
Post Time: 2:40 PM
Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs, Dirt
Purse: $52,000
Claiming Price: $50,000
Pace Analysis
This nine-horse maiden claiming sprint represents the most challenging puzzle on the card. The larger field and claiming conditions create uncertainty, with multiple first-time starters and horses dropping in class. Pace should be contested with several showing early speed tendencies, potentially setting up for a closer to capitalize.
Key Contenders
Alias represents trainer Linda Rice with Jose Lezcano riding from post 4. Rice’s meet-leading statistics and Lezcano’s quality handling make this combination dangerous. The 5-2 morning line reflects strong support, and the middle post position provides tactical options.
Gualillo ships from the Richard Dutrow Jr. barn with Flavien Prat aboard from post 3. Dutrow ranks second in the trainer standings with 16 wins, and Prat’s presence signals barn confidence. The 7-2 morning line suggests this runner commands respect.
Fiddling Felix trains for Fernando Abreu with Manuel Franco in the irons from post 6. Franco’s meet-leading statistics make any mount worth considering, and the 9-2 morning line indicates solid support.
Secondary Choices
Magnanimous Max represents Brad Cox with Jaime Rodriguez riding from post 2. Cox’s quality stable makes this runner live despite Rodriguez having more modest statistics compared to other riders.
Private Flight trains for Mark Hennig with Luis Rivera Jr. aboard from post 5. Hennig has solid credentials and this runner could surprise.
Longshots
Pop Goes the Wiz and Gypsy Dreaming both train for David Duggan and could offer value if the pace sets up favorably. The Hero Code at 30-1 morning line appears overmatched but could hit the board at a price.
Betting Strategy
The large field and competitive nature suggest spreading in exotic wagers. Box the top four choices in exactas while going deeper in trifectas and superfectas. This race could produce solid payoffs given the field size and uncertainty. Consider using multiple horses in multi-race wagers rather than singling.
Selections
Win: Alias
Place: Gualillo
Show: Fiddling Felix
Race 6: Claiming for Fillies and Mares
Post Time: 3:10 PM
Distance: 1 Mile, Dirt
Purse: $33,000
Claiming Price: $17,500
Pace Analysis
This claiming route for older fillies and mares features eight runners at the bottom claiming level. The one-mile distance should produce moderate pace, with horses seeking favorable positions early. The claiming price suggests these are limited runners, making trip and pace setup crucial factors.
Key Contenders
She’s Complicated represents trainer Linda Rice with Kendrick Carmouche riding from post 8. Rice’s dominance continues, and Carmouche provides quality handling. The 9-5 morning line indicates strong favoritism, though the outside post in an eight-horse field presents navigational challenges.
Mitole’s Girl trains for Michelle Giangiulio with Jose Lezcano aboard from post 5. Lezcano’s effectiveness at the meet and the middle post position make this filly dangerous at 5-2 morning line odds.
Queen in the Deck represents Ernesto Padilla-Preciado with Jorge Vargas Jr. riding from post 3. The inside post could prove beneficial if this filly shows tactical speed, and the 9-2 morning line suggests value potential.
Secondary Choices
Best Impression also trains for Giangiulio with Jose Antonio Gomez aboard from post 2. The same barn as Mitole’s Girl creates interesting dynamics.
Sight to See trains for Carlos Figueroa Jr. with Lane Luzzi riding from post 6. Could factor if finding the right trip at 8-1 morning line.
Betting Strategy
Use the two favorites in exacta boxes while spreading underneath to capture value. The claiming level creates uncertainty that could produce solid exotic payoffs. Consider keying the Rice filly on top in vertical wagers while using multiple horses underneath.
Selections
Win: She’s Complicated
Place: Mitole’s Girl
Show: Queen in the Deck
Race 7: Claiming for 3YO+
Post Time: 3:40 PM
Distance: 1 Mile, Dirt
Purse: $41,000
Claiming Price: $30,000
Pace Analysis
This ten-horse claiming route represents the largest field on the card and should produce honest pace throughout. Multiple horses show early speed tendencies, potentially setting up for mid-pack runners and closers to capitalize. The mile distance and competitive claiming level suggest a contentious race.
Key Contenders
Toga Dan represents trainer Jorge Abreu with Manuel Franco riding from post 8. Franco’s meet-leading statistics make this runner dangerous despite the outside post. The 7-2 morning line suggests solid support, and Franco’s ability to navigate traffic makes the post less concerning.
Metatron trains for Thomas Morley with Flavien Prat aboard from post 7. Prat’s presence signals quality, and the 5-1 morning line indicates respect. The outside post alongside Toga Dan could allow both to sit a good trip.
Senegal represents Rudy Rodriguez with Ruben Silvera riding from post 2. Rodriguez has been competitive at the meet, and the inside post provides tactical options at 9-2 morning line.
Secondary Choices
Good Bali trains for Linda Rice with Jose Lezcano aboard from post 6. Rice and Lezcano combine effectively, making this runner live at 6-1.
Magni represents trainer Charlton Baker with Kendrick Carmouche riding from post 4. Carmouche provides quality handling at 8-1 morning line.
Mo for the King trains for David Duggan with Luis Rivera Jr. aboard from post 9. Could surprise from the outside at 5-1.
Betting Strategy
The large field creates opportunities for exotic payoffs. Key Franco and Prat mounts on top while spreading underneath. Consider using multiple horses in trifecta and superfecta wagers given the field size and competitive nature. This race could anchor late Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences.
Selections
Win: Toga Dan
Place: Metatron
Show: Senegal
Race 8: Maiden Special Weight for NY-Bred 2YOs
Post Time: 4:10 PM
Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs, Dirt
Purse: $80,000
Pace Analysis
The finale features nine New York-bred juvenile colts and geldings in maiden special weight company. This sprint should produce contested early fractions with multiple first-time starters adding uncertainty. The quality level appears competitive with several horses from leading barns represented.
Key Contenders
Party in the Army stands out as the likely favorite for trainer Jeremiah Englehart with Manuel Franco riding from post 5. Franco’s meet-leading statistics and the middle post position create a powerful combination. The morning line of even money reflects strong support, and Franco’s presence signals barn confidence in readiness.
Music in Motion represents leading trainer Linda Rice with Kendrick Carmouche aboard from post 6. Rice’s dominance at Aqueduct makes any runner dangerous, and Carmouche provides quality handling. The 3-1 morning line suggests solid respect from oddsmakers.
Pure Mischief trains for Adrianne DeVaux with Jose Antonio Gomez riding from post 8. Could offer value if the pace sets up favorably at 6-1 morning line odds.
Secondary Choices
Central Spirit represents John Terranova with Christopher Elliott aboard from post 7. Could factor at 8-1 morning line if finding the right trip.
Deacon Blues trains for David Donk with Jaime Rodriguez riding from post 2. The inside post could prove beneficial if this colt shows early speed.
Betting Strategy
Party in the Army appears to tower over this field based on connections and positioning. Using this runner as a single in multi-race wagers makes sense, while keying on top in exactas with Rice’s Music in Motion underneath provides solid coverage. Spread wider in trifectas to capture value from the competitive field.
Selections
Win: Party in the Army
Place: Music in Motion
Show: Central Spirit
Jockey Notes and Insights
Manuel Franco continues his dominance at the current Aqueduct meet with multiple quality mounts throughout the card. Franco ranks among the national leaders with 203 wins and earnings exceeding $18.7 million in 2025. His effectiveness at Aqueduct makes him a key rider to follow, with mounts in Races 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 providing multiple opportunities.
Flavien Prat brings elite credentials to his Aqueduct assignments with strong statistics showing 42 wins from 230 starts at the 2025 Saratoga meet, translating to an 18.3 percent win rate. Prat’s tactical brilliance makes him dangerous on any mount, particularly with quality barns like Cox and Brown. His rides in Races 1, 3, 5, and 7 demand attention.
Kendrick Carmouche demonstrates consistent effectiveness at Aqueduct with 134 starts at the current meet. Carmouche’s ability to handle tactical situations and navigate traffic makes him valuable on competitive runners. His mounts in Races 1, 3, 6, and 8 provide solid opportunities throughout the card.
Jose Lezcano continues showing quality at the meet with 127 starts. His partnership with Linda Rice has been productive, and his rides in Races 3, 4, 5, and 6 offer multiple chances for success. Lezcano’s experience at Aqueduct makes him particularly effective in route races.
Christopher Elliott has more modest statistics but provides solid handling on properly placed horses. His multiple mounts suggest barns trust his abilities despite lower win percentages.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Linda Rice dominates the current Aqueduct standings with 22 wins, reinforcing her status as the leading conditioner at the track. Rice’s 21 percent career win rate at Aqueduct reflects her mastery of placing New York-breds in optimal spots. Her runners in Races 1, 4, 6, and 8 demand serious consideration, particularly when paired with quality jockeys like Franco, Carmouche, and Lezcano.
Brad Cox brings elite national credentials with 265 wins and earnings exceeding $29.3 million in 2025, leading all trainers. Cox’s 11 wins at the current Aqueduct meet and 31.8 percent win rate demonstrate his effectiveness even when shipping to New York tracks. His runners in Races 3 and 5 carry significant weight despite competing against local powers.
Chad Brown ranks second nationally in earnings with $24.1 million and has captured 36 NYRA training titles. Brown’s effectiveness with maiden runners makes his entries in Race 4 particularly dangerous. His strategic approach and quality stock create consistent winning opportunities.
Michael Maker ships quality runners to Aqueduct and demonstrates strong statistics at major tracks. His entry in Race 1 with Flavien Prat signals confidence in the horse’s readiness and ability.
Richard Dutrow Jr. ranks second at the current meet with 16 wins. His strategic placement of horses and ability to spot runners effectively make his entries competitive throughout conditions.
Michelle Nevin and Jorge Abreu represent emerging trainers showing solid statistics and strategic horse placement. Their entries deserve respect when paired with quality riders.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The card presents several strategic wagering opportunities based on trainer and jockey statistics. Consider the following approaches:
Early Pick 5 covering Races 1-5 offers solid value by connecting quality favorites in Races 1, 2, and 3 with spreading in the more competitive Races 4 and 5. Use Hellz Kitchen and Kid Rich in Race 1, single Speightful Storm in Race 2, spread the Cox fillies and Lady Rose in Race 3, use the Brown and Mott fillies in Race 4, and spread the top four in Race 5.
Pick 3 sequences provide opportunities throughout the card. Races 3-4-5 connect competitive allowance and maiden races with the challenging maiden claiming event. Races 6-7-8 anchor the late portion of the card with claimers into the finale maiden special weight.
Pick 4 covering Races 5-8 offers solid value by navigating the challenging maiden claiming sprint into claiming routes and finishing with the feature maiden special weight. Spread in Race 5, use multiple horses in Races 6-7, and consider singling or using few horses in Race 8 based on Party in the Army’s apparent edge.
Daily Double opportunities exist connecting strong favorites throughout the card. Race 2 to Race 3 links Speightful Storm with the Cox fillies and Lady Rose. Race 7 to Race 8 connects the competitive claiming route with the finale favorite Party in the Army.
Vertical exotic plays make sense in races featuring dominant favorites paired with quality jockeys. Races 2, 6, and 8 offer opportunities to key strong favorites on top in exactas and trifectas while spreading underneath for value.
Best value play of the day may come in Race 5, where the large field and competitive nature create opportunities for solid exotic payoffs. Using multiple horses in exactas, trifectas, and superfectas could produce rewarding returns given the uncertainty and field size.
Consider focusing wagering on races featuring top trainer-jockey combinations. Franco with Rice, Prat with Cox or Brown, and Carmouche with Rice represent partnerships showing consistent success at the meet.
The claiming races in the middle portion of the card offer opportunities for longshot plays in multi-race wagers. Spreading wider in Races 6 and 7 while anchoring with stronger opinions in surrounding races creates balanced ticket construction.
