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Aqueduct presents a quality nine-race card on Thursday, November 13, 2025, featuring a mix of claiming races, maiden events, allowance contests, and the Key Cents Stakes for New York-bred fillies. The card includes both dirt and turf racing, with the outer turf course set at 24 feet. Several races show potential scratches on the watch list, particularly horses designated as main track only that may scratch if turf races remain on grass. Post time for the first race is 12:10 PM EST.
The day’s highlight is Race 8, the Key Cents Stakes, a one-mile turf event for two-year-old New York-bred fillies with a purse of $125,000. This race features several promising juveniles from top connections including Chad Brown, George Weaver, and Michael Maker.
Track trends from recent racing at Aqueduct indicate the main dirt track has been playing fairly with no significant bias, though inside posts maintain a slight advantage in sprints. The turf courses have also been running fair with the rail position showing occasional benefit depending on field size.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Thursday, November 13 at Aqueduct calls for partly sunny conditions with temperatures ranging from 39 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit. West winds are expected at 6 to 19 mph throughout the day. Track conditions are anticipated to be fast on the main dirt surface and firm on both turf courses.
Recent racing at Aqueduct has shown consistent fast and firm conditions with no precipitation expected. The cool temperatures and moderate winds should provide ideal racing conditions without any track maintenance concerns. The outer turf rail placement at 24 feet is standard for late fall racing and should provide fair racing across all post positions.
Weather will not be a significant factor today, though the temperature and wind conditions favor horses with tactical speed who can rate comfortably without excessive early exertion in the cooler air.
Race 1 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 12:10 PM
Seven furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races. Claiming price of $17,500 with a $31,000 purse. This is a modest claiming sprint with six entered.
Pace Analysis
This appears to be a moderate to contested pace scenario. Leading Role and Dark Vector both show early tactical speed from their recent forms, though neither is a confirmed wire-to-wire type. Cool Hand Rich has shown some early interest in past races as well. The pace pressure should be manageable, setting up an honest gallop without being suicidal. Horses with tactical speed who can rate behind the leaders should have opportunities.
Key Contenders
Dark Vector exits Oscar Barrera’s barn and draws the two post with Jaime Rodriguez riding. The five-year-old has been competing at this level consistently and the barn has solid numbers at the meet. The rail-adjacent post suits his running style in this sprint distance.
Leading Role gets the services of Kendrick Carmouche from the rail. The three-year-old gelding is trained by Rob Atras and gets the rail post which can be advantageous in Aqueduct sprints. Carmouche sits fourth in the jockey standings with a 15.8% win rate.
Secondary Choices
Wajda represents Linda Rice, the leading trainer at the current meet with 103 starts. Ruben Silvera rides from post six. Rice’s strong form at Aqueduct makes any of her starters dangerous in these lower-level claiming races.
Cool Hand Rich is a David Donk trainee with Jose Antonio Gomez aboard from post three. The middle post position provides tactical options and the horse has shown some ability in recent starts.
Selections
Win: Dark Vector
Place: Leading Role
Show: Wajda
Race 2 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 12:40 PM
One mile on dirt for three-year-olds and upward, $32,000 claiming with a $60,000 purse. Non-winners of a race since May 13 allowed two pounds. Seven horses entered with Cicciobello listed on the scratch watch as main track only.
Pace Analysis
The pace profile shows multiple horses with tactical speed. Brew Pub and Skylander both figure to be forwardly placed early. Hours in a Day should also show early interest. This sets up a solid pace where horses needing pace to close into will get their chance. The one-mile distance allows for tactical maneuvering and the pace should be honest without being overly fast.
Key Contenders
Systemic Change draws post three with Joel Rosario aboard for trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci. Rosario has a 13.5% win rate at the meet with strong place and show percentages. The middle post in a route provides excellent positioning options, and this claiming level appears suitable.
Hours in a Day represents Linda Rice with Kendrick Carmouche riding from post four. The Rice-Carmouche combination has been effective throughout the meet. The four-year-old colt should be forwardly placed and can control his own destiny from an ideal post.
Secondary Choices
Brew Pub from the Edward Barker barn gets Ricardo Santana Jr, who leads the meet standings with 33 wins. The veteran gelding draws post two and should be in good position from the break.
Suerte represents Gustavo Rodriguez and draws post six with Javier Castellano riding. The combination of a competent barn and skilled rider makes this a live longshot candidate.
Selections
Win: Hours in a Day
Place: Systemic Change
Show: Brew Pub
Race 3 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 1:10 PM
Six furlongs on the outer turf course for maiden claiming three-year-olds and upward, $50,000 claiming price with a $52,000 purse. A full field of 16 horses with the rail at 24 feet. Katerina Ristova appears on the scratch watch.
Pace Analysis
With 16 runners, this maiden turf sprint will be chaotic early. Several horses figure to show speed including Hellacious, Joker On Fire, and Strobe Light. The large field and six-furlong distance mean positioning will be critical. Horses breaking alertly and securing good trips will have major advantages. The pace should be contested with multiple speed types, potentially setting up closers with clean trips.
Key Contenders
Hellacious represents Todd Pletcher with Manuel Franco riding from post one. Franco leads the meet with 40 wins and a 22.7% win rate. Pletcher runners in maiden races always warrant serious respect, and the inside post with Franco’s tactical skill is a major plus in a large field.
Free Spin is another Pletcher entry with Flavien Prat aboard from post 15. Prat has the best win percentage at the meet at 25.8% and is one of the nation’s leading riders. The outside post is a concern in a 16-horse field, but Prat’s ability to navigate traffic is unmatched.
Magnanimous Max represents Brad Cox and draws post 13 with Franco also listed. Cox is among the elite trainers nationally and any first-time starter from his barn deserves attention.
Secondary Choices
Joker On Fire gets Javier Castellano from post four for Bruce Levine. The equipment change to blinkers off could spark improvement, and Castellano knows Aqueduct’s turf course intimately.
Stanza draws post 12 with Flavien Prat for Elizabeth Merryman. The outside post position with Prat’s skill makes this a potential upset candidate if securing a good trip.
Longshots
Private Flight from Mark Hennig’s barn with Luis Rivera Jr aboard draws post two. The rail-adjacent post and Hennig’s ability with first-time turf starters makes this worth a look at likely generous odds.
Selections
Win: Hellacious
Place: Free Spin
Show: Magnanimous Max
Race 4 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 1:40 PM
One and one-eighth miles on dirt for three-year-olds and upward, $10,000 claiming with a $28,000 purse. Seven runners with multiple horses listed on scratch watch including Bob John Ray and Run Happy Pappy.
Pace Analysis
This bottom-level claiming route should see modest early fractions. Bob John Ray and O P Firecracker figure to show some early foot, but neither is a confirmed speed horse. The pace should be manageable, favoring horses that can rate kindly and finish. The distance tests these horses’ stamina, and tactical positioning will be more important than raw speed.
Key Contenders
Bob John Ray represents Rob Atras with Manuel Franco riding from post two. Franco’s meet-leading statistics and the favorable inside post position make this combination formidable despite the low claiming level. If the horse is sound and ready, this is the horse to beat.
O P Firecracker draws post three with Javier Castellano for Michelle Giangiulio. The middle post in a small field provides flexibility, and Castellano’s experience at all levels makes him dangerous anywhere.
Secondary Choices
Commandperformance comes from Oscar Barrera’s barn with Omar Hernandez Moreno riding from the rail. The inside post is advantageous in routes at Aqueduct when the horse has tactical speed.
Peek draws the outside post seven with Christopher Elliott. The distance and pace scenario could set up nicely for a closer if the pace is contested.
Selections
Win: Bob John Ray
Place: O P Firecracker
Show: Commandperformance
Race 5 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 2:10 PM
One and one-sixteenth miles on turf for two-year-old fillies foaled in New York State, maiden special weight with an $80,000 purse. Full field of 16 with multiple scratches possible including horses listed as main track only. This race may be moved to dirt if turf conditions are unsuitable.
Pace Analysis
With 16 two-year-old fillies making their turf debuts or early in their careers, pace is difficult to predict. Several could show early speed while others will require time to find their stride. The one and one-sixteenth mile distance provides ample time for positioning, and fillies with professional breaks and tactical speed will have major advantages. Clean trips will be paramount in this large field.
Key Contenders
Factory Setting represents Chad Brown with Flavien Prat aboard from post 16. The Brown-Prat combination is among the most potent in all of racing, particularly with turf runners. Despite the outside post, Prat’s skill and Brown’s ability to have horses ready for turf debuts makes this a strong choice.
Silly Season is another Chad Brown entry with Flavien Prat from post five. Brown often enters multiple horses in New York-bred races, and both his entries deserve serious consideration. The inside post is preferable to the outside in this large field.
Valiant Diva gets John Velazquez from post one for Thomas Morley. Velazquez has a 14.5% win rate at the meet and knows how to handle two-year-old fillies. The rail post provides a ground-saving trip if the filly shows tactical speed.
Secondary Choices
Intothewilderness draws post four with Javier Castellano for Jose Lozano Sanchez. The middle post and Castellano’s ability make this a logical contender.
Makealittlelove represents George Weaver with Christopher Elliott from post six. Weaver excels with New York-breds and two-year-olds.
Selections
Win: Silly Season
Place: Factory Setting
Show: Valiant Diva
Race 6 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 2:39 PM
One and three-sixteenths miles on the outer turf course, allowance optional claiming for three-year-olds and upward with an $88,000 purse. The rail is at 24 feet with 13 entered. Playa Del Mar is listed as main track only.
Pace Analysis
This longer turf route should see a moderate pace with horses settling into position early. Dirand and Interceptor from Chad Brown’s barn figure to be forwardly placed, while others will attempt to rate off the pace. The extended distance means stamina becomes paramount, and horses with tactical speed and a strong finish will be favored. The pace should be honest but not taxing.
Key Contenders
Interceptor represents Chad Brown with Flavien Prat from post eight. The equipment notation indicates blinkers off, which could allow the horse to relax better in the extended route. Brown’s record in allowance turf routes is exceptional, and Prat’s 25.8% win rate makes this combination formidable.
Dirand is another Chad Brown entry with Manuel Franco aboard from post five. Brown entering two horses indicates confidence in both, and Franco’s meet-leading win total makes him a constant threat. The middle post provides tactical flexibility.
Space Legend represents Bill Mott with Junior Alvarado from post three. Mott’s turf runners are always dangerous in allowance company, and Alvarado has a solid 15.9% win rate at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Playa Del Mar is a third Mott entry with Junior Alvarado from post 12. However, this horse is listed as main track only and will scratch if the race stays on turf.
Mutaawid comes from Michael Maker’s barn with Kendrick Carmouche from post two. Maker has strong numbers nationally and Carmouche knows Aqueduct intimately.
Longshots
Card Trick from Edward Allard’s stable with Dylan Davis draws post seven. The mid-pack post and consistent form make this worth a look at a price.
Selections
Win: Interceptor
Place: Dirand
Show: Space Legend
Race 7 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 3:09 PM
Six and one-half furlongs on dirt, allowance for fillies and mares three-years-old and upward with an $88,000 purse. Ten fillies and mares entered with several listed on the scratch watch.
Pace Analysis
This sprint for fillies and mares should see contested fractions. Shadyside, She’s Fascinating, and Filly Crystal all have shown early speed in recent races. The pace pressure could be significant, potentially setting up closers or horses with tactical speed who can rate just off the leaders. The 6.5-furlong distance leaves little room for error, favoring horses with tactical speed and quick turn of foot.
Key Contenders
Senza Parole represents Chad Brown with Flavien Prat from post seven. Brown’s fillies are always dangerous in allowance company, and Prat’s statistics speak for themselves. The outside post in a ten-horse field provides options to secure position without being trapped inside.
Mazayaat comes from Bill Mott’s barn with Junior Alvarado from post five. Mott’s record with fillies and mares is exceptional, and Alvarado’s tactical skill makes this a serious contender. The middle post is ideal for this distance.
She’s Fascinating is trained by Anthony Dutrow with Joel Rosario aboard from post four. Rosario has strong statistics at the meet and this three-year-old filly could have upside in this spot.
Secondary Choices
Practical Lov is another Mott entry with John Velazquez from post eight. Mott entering two indicates confidence, and Velazquez’s Hall of Fame credentials make any mount dangerous.
Army Gal represents Linda Rice with Dylan Davis from post six. Rice leads the trainer standings and any of her runners deserve consideration, though this filly is listed as main track only.
Selections
Win: Senza Parole
Place: Mazayaat
Show: Practical Lov
Race 8 – Key Cents Stakes
Post Time: 3:39 PM
One mile on turf, the Key Cents Stakes for two-year-old fillies foaled in New York State with a $125,000 purse. Nine fillies entered with Lasix prohibited within 48 hours under HISA rules.
Pace Analysis
This stakes race for New York-bred juvenile fillies should see moderate fractions. Several fillies including She’s Country and Boomington have shown tactical speed. The one-mile distance on turf provides ample opportunity for positioning, and fillies with professional running styles and tactical speed will be favored. The pace should be honest without being contested, allowing closers to have their chance if trip develops favorably.
Key Contenders
Maria Callas represents Chad Brown with Manuel Franco from post five. Brown’s record in New York-bred stakes for juveniles is outstanding, and Franco’s meet-leading win total makes this the likely favorite. The middle post provides excellent positioning options for the mile distance.
Fancy Lights is another George Weaver entry with Flavien Prat from post eight. Weaver has multiple entries in this stakes, indicating confidence in his stable. Prat’s elite skills and the outside post allowing for a clean trip make this extremely dangerous.
She’s Country is a third Weaver runner with Javier Castellano from the rail. Weaver’s three entries demonstrate his stable’s strength in this division, and Castellano from post one could steal this race if securing the lead.
Secondary Choices
Boomington is the fourth Weaver entry with John Velazquez from post four. With four runners, Weaver clearly dominates this race numerically and likely quality-wise as well.
Neshika comes from Michael Maker’s barn with Joel Rosario from post two. Maker’s turf runners are always dangerous in stakes company, and Rosario’s tactical skill makes this a threat.
Selections
Win: Maria Callas
Place: Fancy Lights
Show: Neshika
Race 9 – Aqueduct
Post Time: 4:09 PM
One and one-sixteenth miles on the outer turf course, maiden special weight for three-year-olds and upward with an $85,000 purse. Twelve horses entered with the rail at 24 feet. Salvation is listed as main track only.
Pace Analysis
This maiden turf route should see a moderate pace with horses settling early. A Bourbon for Toby and Wicked Improbable both figure to show early interest. The distance allows for positioning adjustments, and horses with professional running styles will have advantages. The pace should be honest but not contested, setting up horses with tactical speed and a strong finish.
Key Contenders
Roger Roger represents Chad Brown with Flavien Prat from post ten. Brown’s maiden runners are notoriously well-meant, and Prat’s exceptional statistics make this a strong favorite. The outside post in a 12-horse field provides options for Prat to secure position.
Mortal Lock comes from George Weaver’s barn with Manuel Franco from post seven. Weaver’s turf maidens are competitive, and Franco’s meet-leading win total makes this a serious threat. The middle-outside post provides tactical options.
Operation Overlord represents Todd Pletcher with Kendrick Carmouche from post five. Pletcher’s maiden runners always warrant respect, and Carmouche knows Aqueduct intimately. The middle post is ideal for this distance.
Secondary Choices
A Bourbon for Toby is trained by Thomas Morley with John Velazquez from post three. Velazquez’s Hall of Fame credentials make any maiden mount dangerous, particularly from an inside post.
Tiz Freedom represents Bill Mott with Junior Alvarado from post eight. Mott maidens improve with racing, and this could be the race where improvement shows.
Longshots
Stargell from Michael Trombetta’s barn with Jaime Rodriguez draws post two. The rail-adjacent post and Trombetta’s ability with maiden turf runners makes this worth consideration at a price.
Selections
Win: Roger Roger
Place: Mortal Lock
Show: Operation Overlord
Jockey Notes and Insights
Manuel Franco leads the Belmont at the Big A meet with 40 wins from 176 starts, posting a 22.7% win rate and 53.4% in-the-money percentage. Franco has six mounts on today’s card and figures prominently in multiple races including Race 3 with Hellacious and Race 8 with Maria Callas.
Flavien Prat has been exceptional with 33 wins from just 128 starts for a remarkable 25.8% win rate and 59.4% in-the-money percentage. Prat rides throughout the card and his mounts deserve serious consideration in every race, particularly when paired with Chad Brown or Bill Mott.
Ricardo Santana Jr has 33 wins from 219 starts with a 15.1% win rate. While his win percentage is lower than Franco and Prat, his consistent placement in the top three makes his mounts valuable for exotic wagers.
Kendrick Carmouche has 29 wins from 184 starts with a 15.8% win rate. Carmouche’s familiarity with Aqueduct and consistent riding style makes him effective, particularly when paired with Linda Rice.
Joel Rosario has 13 wins from 96 starts at the meet with a 13.5% win rate. His limited starts indicate selective mounts, and his rides warrant attention particularly in higher-level races.
Javier Castellano has 12 wins from 97 starts with a 12.4% win rate. The veteran rider’s experience at Aqueduct makes him dangerous in any race despite moderate statistics.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Linda Rice leads all trainers at the Belmont at the Big A meet with 103 starts, demonstrating her commitment to the New York circuit. Rice has multiple runners today and her stable should be respected at all levels.
Chad Brown has exceptional statistics when running at Aqueduct, particularly with turf horses and two-year-olds. Brown has multiple entries in Races 5, 6, 8, and 9, and his runners paired with elite jockeys are formidable in any race.
Bill Mott has multiple entries today and his methodical approach with horses means they improve with racing. Mott runners in allowance company and with quality jockeys are always dangerous.
Todd Pletcher enters horses in Races 3, 5, and 9. Pletcher’s maiden runners and stakes horses deserve respect, particularly when paired with top jockeys.
George Weaver has four entries in the Key Cents Stakes, demonstrating his stable’s depth in the New York-bred juvenile filly division. Weaver runners in turf races and with New York-breds are consistently competitive.
Michael Maker has solid national statistics and his runners at Aqueduct, particularly on turf, warrant consideration. Maker’s turf runners often provide value.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The card presents several opportunities for value and strategic wagering. Race 3 with 16 horses provides excellent exotic wagering opportunities, particularly using Todd Pletcher’s two entries with Manuel Franco and Flavien Prat in exactas and trifectas with logical horses at higher odds.
Race 5 is another 16-horse field where Chad Brown’s two entries with Flavien Prat create multiple wagering angles. Keying Brown’s horses in exactas and trifectas with other logical contenders from quality barns provides value opportunities.
Race 6 presents a Chad Brown exacta opportunity with Interceptor and Dirand, both ridden by elite jockeys. Using both horses in the top two positions with Bill Mott’s Space Legend for third creates a strong trifecta play.
Race 8 offers excellent wagering angles with George Weaver’s four entries. Keying Chad Brown’s Maria Callas on top with Weaver’s three horses and Michael Maker’s Neshika creates multiple exacta and trifecta combinations.
Daily double opportunities exist connecting Race 7 with Senza Parole to Race 8 with Maria Callas, both featuring the Brown-Prat combination. Similarly, connecting Race 8 to Race 9 with Brown-Prat horses provides value.
Pick 3 and Pick 4 strategies should focus on races with multiple Chad Brown and Bill Mott entries, spreading among their runners while singling in races with clear advantages. The late Pick 4 covering Races 6 through 9 presents excellent value opportunities given the trainer and jockey concentrations.
Place and show betting on Flavien Prat mounts provides consistent returns given his 59.4% in-the-money percentage. Similarly, exacta boxes featuring Franco and Prat in races where they have multiple mounts create value opportunities.
