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Aqueduct features a competitive nine-race card on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, including a variety of maiden races, claiming events, and allowance conditions. The card presents several betting opportunities, with a Pick 6 carryover of $31,372 starting in Race 4, making the late Pick 6 especially appealing for handicappers looking for value. The day includes multiple turf races on the outer course with the rail set at 24 feet, which will influence pace shots and running styles. The card also features several races limited to New York-bred horses, highlighting the depth of the local breeding program. Top trainers Todd Pletcher, Chad Brown, Bill Mott, and Linda Rice have multiple entries across the card, indicating quality fields despite the mix of conditions.
Weather and Track Conditions
Based on typical mid-November conditions at Aqueduct, the main track is expected to be fast with cool temperatures in the mid-40s to low-50s. The outer turf course with the rail at 24 feet will favor horses with tactical speed who can secure good position around the turns. The wider rail placement typically creates more even racing conditions and can benefit horses with sustained closing kicks. Handicappers should monitor any weather changes that could impact the turf races, as Races 5, 6, 8, and 9 have main track backup distances if turf conditions deteriorate.
Post position bias at Aqueduct on the main dirt track generally favors inside posts in sprint races, while route races on dirt tend to be more neutral. On the outer turf course with the rail at 24 feet, outside posts can have an advantage in shorter turf sprints as horses avoid traffic issues, while route races remain relatively fair.
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
12:10 PM EST
Pace Analysis
This seven-horse maiden special weight at one mile on dirt for three-year-old fillies and mares features several well-bred and well-connected runners. The pace setup appears moderate with no confirmed early speed burners, which could set up for a tactical race where positioning will be crucial. High Note from the Chad Brown barn has shown ability in workouts and represents a powerful stable known for winning first-time starters. Raghba and Metfardeh both represent the Todd Pletcher stable, suggesting quality despite their maiden status.
Key Contenders
High Note ships in for Chad Brown with Flavien Prat aboard, a combination that wins at a high percentage with first-time starters. The pedigree suggests she will appreciate the one-mile distance, and Brown’s fillies typically show up ready on debut. She’s a Gemma represents Bill Mott with Sahin Civaci riding and has been training forwardly at Belmont Park. Mott is another trainer who excels with first-time starters, and the breeding suggests she should handle the distance. Metfardeh draws the outside post for Pletcher with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Pletcher entries in maiden races deserve respect, and this filly has been working steadily in preparation.
Secondary Choices
Raghba is another Pletcher entrant with John Velazquez in the irons, giving the Hall of Fame trainer multiple chances in this spot. The filly has been working well and represents powerful connections that could split the vote. Harmonique ships in from California for Neil Drysdale with Dylan Davis riding, adding intrigue to this competitive maiden field.
Selections
Win: High Note
Place: She’s a Gemma
Show: Metfardeh
Race 2 – Claiming $17,500
Post Time
12:40 PM EST
Pace Analysis
This one-mile claiming race for fillies and mares that have never won two races should feature a moderate to strong early pace. Spirit of Esther figures to show early speed from the rail with Manuel Franco aboard, while Kyle’s Mom could press from post two under Jaime Rodriguez. The pace scenario should set up well for closers if the front-runners engage too early. Cha Cha Wren with Joel Rosario represents solid connections and could sit a stalking trip.
Key Contenders
Kyle’s Mom for trainer Jeremiah Englehart with Jaime Rodriguez has been knocking on the door and drops into a winnable spot. The post position is ideal for establishing early position. Spirit of Esther with Manuel Franco aboard represents Ilkay Kantarmaci and figures to show early speed from the rail. Franco’s strong meet continues, and this mare has tactical speed to control the tempo. Cha Cha Wren trained by Orlando Noda with Joel Rosario draws the four hole and should get a perfect stalking trip behind the early pace.
Secondary Choices
Furry Fox could benefit from a contested pace up front and offers value if the race sets up for late closers. That’sthefactjack is a longshot worth considering in exotic wagers if the pace collapses.
Selections
Win: Kyle’s Mom
Place: Spirit of Esther
Show: Cha Cha Wren
Race 3 – Claiming $20,000
Post Time
1:10 PM EST
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares on the main track should produce a contested early pace. The shorter distance means positioning out of the gate will be critical. Several horses have shown early speed in their recent races, suggesting a fast pace that could compromise the front-runners. Edistrudis with Manuel Franco could get a good stalking position from the outside post.
Key Contenders
Majestic Return drops in class for trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci with Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard and gets a weight break for not winning since May. The class relief and rider upgrade make this mare a serious threat. Proud Foot for Linda Rice with Jose Lezcano also gets the weight allowance and has experience at this level. Rice does well placing horses in the right spots. Edistrudis represents another Kantarmaci runner with Manuel Franco, creating a strong entry for the barn. Franco has been riding well at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Defended has experience on this track and could factor at a price with Christopher Elliott. Jackie the Joker represents James Ferraro and has tactical speed to be in the mix.
Selections
Win: Majestic Return
Place: Proud Foot
Show: Edistrudis
Race 4 – Claiming $30,000
Post Time
1:40 PM EST
Pace Analysis
The Pick 6 begins with this one-mile claiming race for three-year-olds and up that have never won two races. Mission Hill appears to be the controlling speed with Flavien Prat aboard, while Fever Night from the Linda Rice barn could press the pace. Cocktailsnkringle with Ricardo Santana Jr. should sit a forward trip behind the early pace. The race sets up for tactical speed horses who can rate off the expected moderate pace.
Key Contenders
Fever Night represents Linda Rice with Jose Lezcano and has been competitive at this level. Rice excels in these types of spots, finding the right class level for her runners. Cocktailsnkringle with Ricardo Santana Jr. for Horacio De Paz shows improvement and the distance should suit his running style. Santana is riding well at the meet. Mission Hill ships in from Belmont with class relief and draws Flavien Prat, suggesting trainer David Duggan believes this is a good spot.
Secondary Choices
Sergeant Capps trained by Wayne Potts with Kendrick Carmouche represents a barn that wins with overlooked runners. Gotta Guy with Manuel Franco could be sitting on a winning effort for Hugo Padilla.
Selections
Win: Fever Night
Place: Cocktailsnkringle
Show: Mission Hill
Race 5 – Maiden Claiming $50,000 (New York Bred)
Post Time
2:10 PM EST
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong turf sprint for New York-bred maidens on the outer course features a massive field of 16 runners. The wide rail at 24 feet should help horses in outside posts avoid traffic issues that often plague large turf fields. Orie with Flavien Prat represents Michael Maker and figures to be a strong favorite based on breeding and connections. Out of the Fog with Javier Castellano for Jena Antonucci has tactical speed to overcome any traffic concerns.
Key Contenders
Orie represents the powerful Michael Maker barn with Flavien Prat aboard, a combination that wins consistently with turf horses. The breeding suggests this colt should appreciate the grass. Sammy C Note for Gary Sciacca with Ruben Silvera has been training well and represents a local barn that knows these New York-bred conditions. Out of the Fog draws Javier Castellano for Jena Antonucci, giving this runner tactical speed and a top rider to navigate the large field.
Secondary Choices
Rhyton for Miguel Clement with Manuel Franco represents quality connections and could surprise at a price. Tomschickenfingers with Kendrick Carmouche is a four-year-old making a turf debut and could offer value.
Longshots
Fric and Frac with Santana and Lodato with Dylan Davis could hit the board at square prices in a wide-open maiden field.
Selections
Win: Orie
Place: Sammy C Note
Show: Out of the Fog
Race 6 – Maiden Optional Claiming (2YO Fillies)
Post Time
2:39 PM EST
Pace Analysis
This maiden optional claiming race for two-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles on turf features 13 runners. Salt Princess with John Velazquez for David Donk figures to be a strong favorite based on breeding and connections. Angelic Quality represents Todd Pletcher with Manuel Franco and should appreciate the distance. The moderate pace expected should favor fillies with stamina who can finish strongly.
Key Contenders
Salt Princess draws John Velazquez for trainer David Donk, suggesting this filly is ready to break her maiden. The breeding indicates she should handle the distance well. Honor the Numbers with Kendrick Carmouche for Michelle Giangiulio has shown ability in workouts and represents a barn that does well with first-timers. Angelic Quality represents the powerful Todd Pletcher stable with Manuel Franco, a combination that excels with two-year-old turf fillies.
Secondary Choices
Smiling Rosie for Mark Hennig with Javier Castellano brings strong connections to this field. Miss Magical with Jose Lezcano represents George Weaver, another top barn.
Selections
Win: Salt Princess
Place: Honor the Numbers
Show: Angelic Quality
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming (New York Bred)
Post Time
3:09 PM EST
Pace Analysis
This one-mile allowance optional claiming race for New York-breds features nine runners. Aggregation with Flavien Prat for Chad Brown appears to be the horse to beat based on class and connections. Shadow Dragon represents Bill Mott with Sahin Civaci and brings strong credentials to this spot. The pace should be honest with several runners having tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Aggregation ships in for Chad Brown with Flavien Prat aboard, a combination that wins at a very high percentage. The class drop into this New York-bred allowance makes this gelding a strong favorite. Shadow Dragon for Bill Mott with Sahin Civaci has been competitive in tougher spots and could benefit from the class relief. Cut the Cord with Manuel Franco for Ilkay Kantarmaci brings tactical speed and a hot rider.
Secondary Choices
Shared Success with Javier Castellano has experience and represents a solid barn in H. James Bond. Refuah for Joe Sharp with Kendrick Carmouche could surprise at a price.
Selections
Win: Aggregation
Place: Shadow Dragon
Show: Cut the Cord
Race 8 – Starter Optional Claiming
Post Time
3:39 PM EST
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong turf sprint on the outer course features 16 runners in a starter optional claiming event. Devil in Disguise and Exploration are co-favorites and both bring strong recent form. Musical Maestro for Michael Maker with Flavien Prat figures to show tactical speed. The large field creates opportunities for value plays if traffic impacts the favorites.
Key Contenders
Devil in Disguise with Ricardo Santana Jr. for Rudy Rodriguez has been competitive at this level and draws a favorable post position. Exploration for Rob Atras has been knocking on the door and represents a barn that excels in these spots. Musical Maestro represents the hot Michael Maker barn with Flavien Prat, a combination that consistently wins with turf sprinters.
Secondary Choices
Irrelevant for Richard Dutrow with Manuel Franco could get a good trip from the inside. City of Oscars for Mark Casse with Kendrick Carmouche brings class to this field.
Longshots
Let It Ride with Ruben Silvera could surprise at a big price if the race sets up properly.
Selections
Win: Musical Maestro
Place: Devil in Disguise
Show: Irrelevant
Race 9 – Maiden Optional Claiming (2YO Colts/Geldings)
Post Time
4:09 PM EST
Pace Analysis
The finale is a maiden optional claiming race for two-year-old colts and geldings at 1 1/16 miles on turf featuring 16 runners. Mr Browns Town for Chad Brown with Manuel Franco appears to be the controlling speed. Rafa Junior with Flavien Prat for Richard Dutrow brings strong connections. Lexington Pike represents Todd Pletcher with Ricardo Santana Jr. and should appreciate the distance.
Key Contenders
Mr Browns Town represents Chad Brown with Manuel Franco, a combination that excels with two-year-old turf horses. Brown’s record with first-time turf runners is exceptional. Rafa Junior draws Flavien Prat for Richard Dutrow and brings tactical speed to navigate the large field. Lexington Pike for Todd Pletcher with Ricardo Santana Jr. has been working well and represents a barn that wins consistently with juveniles.
Secondary Choices
Fazzone with Javier Castellano for George Weaver brings strong connections and could be ready to break through. Gaborone represents Bill Mott with Sahin Civaci and has shown ability in workouts.
Longshots
Mo Spice for Brad Cox with Manuel Franco could surprise if the pace sets up favorably. Neigh Baby with Jaime Rodriguez represents local connections.
Selections
Win: Mr Browns Town
Place: Rafa Junior
Show: Lexington Pike
Jockey Notes and Insights
Flavien Prat has multiple strong mounts throughout the card including High Note in Race 1, Mission Hill in Race 4, Aggregation in Race 7, and Musical Maestro in Race 8. His presence often indicates trainer confidence and he excels in both turf and dirt routes.
Manuel Franco continues his strong meet with quality mounts including Spirit of Esther in Race 2, Edistrudis in Race 3, and Mr Browns Town in Race 9. Franco is particularly effective on horses with tactical speed.
Ricardo Santana Jr. has solid opportunities with Cocktailsnkringle in Race 4, Devil in Disguise in Race 8, and Lexington Pike in Race 9. His ability to rate horses and find the right spots in traffic makes him dangerous in large fields.
John Velazquez aboard Raghba in Race 1 and Salt Princess in Race 6 brings Hall of Fame credentials to key spots.
Javier Castellano on Out of the Fog in Race 5, Smiling Rosie in Race 6, Shared Success in Race 7, and Fazzone in Race 9 gives multiple opportunities to the veteran rider.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Chad Brown has strong entries in High Note (Race 1), Aggregation (Race 7), and Mr Browns Town (Race 9), suggesting these are live horses worthy of strong consideration. Brown’s training operation excels with turf runners and first-time starters.
Todd Pletcher has multiple entries in Race 1 with Raghba and Metfardeh, plus Angelic Quality in Race 6 and Lexington Pike in Race 9. When Pletcher enters multiple horses in the same race, handicappers should evaluate both seriously.
Bill Mott runners include She’s a Gemma in Race 1, Shadow Dragon in Race 7, and Gaborone in Race 9. Mott’s methodical approach means his horses often improve with racing experience.
Linda Rice has multiple entries throughout the card including Trango Tower in Race 1, Proud Foot in Race 3, Adventurist and Fever Night in Race 4, and Will Not Be Swayed in Race 8. Rice excels at placing horses in the right class level for success.
Ilkay Kantarmaci runners appear in multiple races including Spirit of Esther in Race 2, Majestic Return and Edistrudis in Race 3, and Cut the Cord in Race 7. This barn often has horses at square prices ready to fire.
Michael Maker with Orie in Race 5 and Musical Maestro in Race 8 brings strong turf credentials. Maker’s turf runners often offer value despite their quality.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Pick 6 carryover of $31,372 starting in Race 4 creates excellent value for players willing to spread in the late races. A conservative approach would single Orie in Race 5 and spread in the other legs, particularly the wide-open Race 8 with 16 runners.
Early Pick 5 Strategy: Single High Note in Race 1, use Kyle’s Mom and Spirit of Esther in Race 2, spread Majestic Return, Proud Foot, and Edistrudis in Race 3, use Fever Night, Cocktailsnkringle, and Mission Hill in Race 4, then spread four or five in the large field Race 5.
Pick 4 Strategy (Races 6-9): Salt Princess and Honor the Numbers in Race 6, Aggregation and Shadow Dragon in Race 7, spread four deep in Race 8 (Musical Maestro, Devil in Disguise, Exploration, Irrelevant), use three in Race 9 (Mr Browns Town, Rafa Junior, Lexington Pike).
Value plays to consider include Sammy C Note in Race 5 at expected odds, Cut the Cord in Race 7 as a live price alternative to the favorites, and Irrelevant in Race 8 as a Frank Dutrow runner with Manuel Franco at a square price.
Daily Double opportunities exist connecting Aggregation in Race 7 to Musical Maestro in Race 8, as both represent strong trainer-jockey combinations at reasonable prices.
For players focused on win betting, the strongest singles appear to be Kyle’s Mom in Race 2, Orie in Race 5, and Aggregation in Race 7 based on form, connections, and class advantages.
Exacta boxes in the maiden races (1, 6, and 9) offer opportunities to catch Chad Brown, Todd Pletcher, and Bill Mott runners who often fill the exacta in these spots.
