Event details and context
Venue: Aqueduct Racetrack, South Ozone Park, Queens, New York.
Race: New York Stallion Series Stakes (Race 1), state-bred, 3yo+.
Distance and surface: 7 furlongs, dirt.
Purse: $125,000.
Post time: 11:40 AM local (noted by U.S. entries listings).
Field size: 5 runners.
Card note: State-bred stakes highlight depth among New York-breds, with multiple familiar names returning off formful runs at “Belmont at the Big A.”
Weather expectations: Late-November in Queens typically brings cool temps (high 40s–low 50s), light northwest winds. A dry morning points to a “Fast” track; any precipitation could shift to “Good” or “Muddy.” Monitor race-day updates and track maintenance notes.
Prize distribution: 1st $78,750; 2nd $25,000; 3rd $12,500; 4th $8,750.
Horse-by-horse analysis
Post 2 — Bank Frenzy (Central Banker — Storm Now)
Connections: Jockey Manuel Franco; Trainer Rudy R. Rodriguez; Owner LSU Stables.
Form and profile: Enters with a sharp pattern (114151), showing repeatable speed and resilience at Aqueduct; rated 108 and the consensus form pick. Noted as having a tangible affinity for Aqueduct with prior stakes success, including a strong fall campaign for NY-breds. Projects to control or press a fair pace from post 2 at 7f.
Setup: Versatile tactical speed; durable at one-turn distances. With a compact field, he can sit outside the inside speed and pounce turning for home.
Post 4 — Doc Sullivan (Solomini — Queen Frostine)
Connections: Jockey Joel Rosario; Trainer John A. Ortiz; Owner TriStar Farm LLC.
Form and profile: Progressive 4yo with form line 341442 and rating 106; exits competitive efforts that align closely with Bank Frenzy’s last race, making him the primary danger. The “BF” tag notes beaten favorite last out—market respected his talent, and he ran to it. Pace-stalk style fits 7f at Aqueduct well.
Setup: Drawn outside of main speed, can track and launch; needs a clean lane and sustained finish to flip the script.
Post 1 — Dr. Kraft (The Lieutenant — Princess Consort)
Connections: Jockey Flavien Prat; Trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci; Ownership group including Kantarmaci, Zilla Racing, Black Jack Racing, and Steven Forst.
Form and profile: Honest sprinter with 351125 form and rating 103. Rail draw is a mixed blessing: can save ground but risks pace crush if pressured early. Prat’s presence is a positive tactical edge; if he breaks sharply, he can make the rail work to his advantage.
Setup: Best chance is an efficient, ground-saving trip and producing a late punch to secure a podium.
Post 3 — General Banker (Central Banker — Elusive Jozi)
Connections: Jockey Luis Rivera Jr; Trainer James W. Ferraro; Owner Seacoast Thoroughbreds of N.E.
Form and profile: Consistent campaigner (412466), rated 92. Steps into a tougher spot but has the stamina and familiarity to pick up pieces if the top two duel. Needs a race shape to soften the favorites.
Setup: Mid-pack run, aiming to pass tired rivals late; exotics value hinge.
Post 5 — Jackson Heights (Union Jackson — Queen of The Night)
Connections: Jockey Jaime Rodriguez; Trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci; Owners Zilla Racing Stables, Black Jack Racing LLC, Acqua Nova Stable.
Form and profile: Form 511573; rated 92. Reliable but faces class/pace headwinds vs. top-rated pair. Outside draw gives optionality to track wide and avoid traffic.
Setup: Best as an underneath inclusion if pace overheats or favorites underperform.
Pace, surface, and conditions
Surface: Dirt, one-turn 7 furlongs—rewarding tactical speed, clean trips, and sustained kick. Compact fields reduce chaos but elevate trip nuance.
Pace picture: Dr. Kraft (rail) and Bank Frenzy (post 2) project forward. Doc Sullivan sits just off; General Banker and Jackson Heights trail. With no obvious need-the-lead burner, expect an honest—not blistering—pace that favors class speed and tactical positioning.
Track condition outlook: If the morning stays dry and cool, anticipate “Fast.” Any rain shifts the dynamics toward more stamina and rail bias assessments; re-check paddock/trackside reports 30 minutes pre-post.
