Venue: Aqueduct Racetrack, Ozone Park, Queens, New York
Scheduled Post Time: 3:16 PM ET
Purse: $300,000
Distance: 7 furlongs (Dirt)
Conditions: 4‑year‑olds & up
Expected Weather Conditions (Inference)
No direct weather data was provided in the retrieved sources.
Typical early‑April conditions at Aqueduct:
Low–mid 50s°F
Light breeze
Potential overcast
This generally produces neutral‑to‑slightly speed‑favoring dirt conditions.
(Inference only — not sourced.)
Full Field Analysis (6 Horses)
PP #1 — Point Dume (4‑1)
Age/Sex: 5‑year‑old gelding
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Maya Malibu
Jockey: Edwin Gonzalez
Trainer: Timothy Kreiser
Weight: 122 lbs
Analysis:
A consistent sprinter with tactical speed. Into Mischief progeny excel at 7 furlongs, and Point Dume fits the profile of a horse who can sit just behind the leaders and pounce. Kreiser’s runners often show early foot, making him a live upset candidate if the pace is moderate.
PP #2 — Book’em Danno (1‑1, Morning‑Line Favorite)
Age/Sex: 5‑year‑old gelding
Pedigree: Bucchero – Adorabella
Jockey: Paco Lopez
Trainer: Derek Ryan
Weight: 124 lbs
Analysis:
The reigning Champion Male Sprinter and three‑time New Jersey‑bred Horse of the Year makes his seasonal debut. He owns multiple graded wins, including the G1 Forego, G2 Vanderbilt, and G3 True North. Ryan reports he is bigger, stronger, and training better than last year, with sharp works at Tampa Bay Downs before shipping north.
He has won his seasonal debut three years in a row, making him the clear horse to beat.
PP #3 — Acoustic Ave (20‑1)
Age/Sex: 6‑year‑old gelding
Pedigree: Maclean’s Music – Rock Ave. Road
Jockey: Jose Lezcano
Trainer: Linda Rice
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis:
A longshot with early speed but inconsistent finishing ability at graded‑stakes level. Rice is excellent with sprinters, but Acoustic Ave will need a career‑best effort to threaten this field. Best used underneath in exotic wagers.
PP #4 — Be You (6‑1)
Age/Sex: 5‑year‑old gelding
Pedigree: Curlin – Jacaranda
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Weight: 122 lbs
Analysis:
A well‑bred Curlin gelding with strong late‑running ability. Pletcher spots him aggressively here, suggesting confidence. Carmouche rides Aqueduct extremely well and could benefit from a hot early pace. A legitimate win threat if the favorite falters.
PP #5 — Rated by Merit (8‑5)
Age/Sex: 4‑year‑old colt
Pedigree: Battalion Runner – Banner Waving
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Trainer: Chad Brown
Weight: 122 lbs
Analysis:
The second choice on the morning line. Brown rarely enters sprinters in the Carter unless they are live. Rated by Merit is lightly raced with improving speed figures and strong gallop‑out metrics. Franco’s patient style fits perfectly for a stalking trip. A major contender.
PP #6 — Quint’s Brew (8‑1)
Age/Sex: 5‑year‑old gelding
Pedigree: Mosler – Gansett
Jockey: Forest Boyce
Trainer: Edward Allard
Weight: 122 lbs
Analysis:
A Maryland‑bred stakes winner stepping up in class. Boyce knows him well, and Allard’s horses often outrun their odds. However, this is a steep jump into Grade II company. A fringe contender for minor awards.
Recent Finishes & Track Conditions
The retrieved sources did not provide recent race‑by‑race finishes for each horse.
However:
Book’em Danno’s 2024 campaign included multiple graded wins and a career‑best 111 Beyer in the Vanderbilt.
Quint’s Brew enters in good form off Maryland stakes success.
Track conditions for April 4 are not yet published, but Aqueduct’s main track typically plays fair to slightly speed‑favoring in cool spring weather.
Series Context
The Carter Stakes is one of Aqueduct’s signature sprint races for older horses and a key early‑season test for championship‑level sprinters. It is part of a blockbuster card that also includes the Wood Memorial, Gazelle, Distaff, and Excelsior Stakes.
Suggested Exacta
2 over 5, 4, 1
5 over 2, 4
Trifecta Structure
2 / 5, 4 / 1, 3, 6
5 / 2 / 1, 4, 6
