Horse Racing Odds: 2025 Carter Stakes Analysis

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Full Moon Madness Looks to Shine Again in Carter Stakes

With the spring racing season heating up and the Kentucky Derby Prep Races drawing most of the attention, bettors are also keeping a close eye on key Grade 2 contests like the $300,000 Carter Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack this Saturday. 

While not a direct Derby prep, the seven-furlong dirt sprint for older horses offers a competitive field that could impact Kentucky Derby odds indirectly, as it showcases some of the nation’s sharpest sprinters. For fans of Kentucky Derby betting, the Carter can offer additional value plays on a packed day of high-stakes racing.

Full Moon Madness Returns After Tom Fool Triumph

Trainer Michelle Nevin sends out Full Moon Madness, a standout 5-year-old coming off a victory in the Grade 3 Tom Fool Stakes on March 1 at Aqueduct. The Jay Em Ess Stable homebred has come into his own since returning from a 10-month layoff last November. 

In four starts since then, he has gone 2-1-1, showing increasing maturity with each effort. His win in the Tom Fool over several of the same rivals stamped him as a serious contender in this division.

Nevin credits his improvement to age and physical development. The son of Into Mischief was still a bit green in his earlier campaigns but now appears to be putting all the pieces together. At seven furlongs, Saturday’s distance should suit him well.

Surveillance Seeks to Turn the Tables

One of Full Moon Madness’ main rivals is Surveillance, an 8-year-old gelding trained by Linda Rice. Claimed by Rice in November, Surveillance has since registered three consecutive second-place finishes, including a strong runner-up effort behind Full Moon Madness in the Tom Fool.

Rice, who recently swept the owner and trainer titles at Aqueduct’s winter meet, has kept Surveillance in sharp form. The veteran’s consistency and experience make him a major player, especially with Jose Lezcano returning in the irons.

Crazy Mason Riding a Hot Streak

Another contender drawing attention is Crazy Mason, trained by Gregory Sacco for owners Donna Wright and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. After finishing third in the Long Branch Stakes last year, Crazy Mason was given a layoff and returned as a sprinter. The change in distance has paid off. He’s unbeaten in two starts this year and appears to thrive in his new role.

Sacco noted that the decision to give Crazy Mason a break and cut him back in distance allowed the Coal Front colt to rebound. His previous sprint efforts, including a maiden-breaking win at Saratoga and a second-place finish to standout Patriot Spirit, showed potential that is now being fulfilled.

Depth in the Carter Field

While Full Moon Madness and Crazy Mason lead the headlines, the Carter Stakes field is filled with dangerous competition. Quint’s Brew, trained by Edward T. Allard, brings regional form from Maryland, and Donegal Momentum looks to make noise for trainer Thomas Morley with Javier Castellano aboard.

Irish-bred Dilger will try to improve for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.. At the same time, Maximus Meridius enters the race with an edge, having defeated Full Moon Madness twice this winter in stakes company at Aqueduct. That history makes him a sneaky contender, especially with Joel Rosario named to ride.

Sheriff Bianco rounds out the field for Linda Rice and could also surprise off his best efforts.

For the best horse racing odds, expert picks, and real-time action on this and other stakes, including Kentucky Derby Prep Races, visit our racebook and place your bets today.