The second Grade 1 stakes on Wood Memorial day at Aqueduct is the $250,000 Carter Handicap (G1) for older horses at 7 furlongs on the main track. Apriority was sent off as the 7-5 favorite in the field of 8 off an allowance win at Gulfstream after finishing a close second in the Sunshine Millions Sprint. In to challenge him included 2-1 second choice Morning Line, second in the Donn Handicap last out, and 5-1 third choice Kensei, off a second place finish in the Santana Mile at Santa Anita.
Sunrise Smarty went to the lead and down to the rail exiting the chute and set quick fractions of 22.52 and 44.42 over the fast track while being stalked by Apriority to his outside. Sunrise Smarty tired at the 1/4 pole allowing Apriority to take a short lead at the 3/16 pole through 3/4 in 1:08.42, but Morning Line, who sat fourth early, passed him at the 1/16 pole and drew off to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:21.46. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Yawanna Twist third.
Also on the card were the Wood Memorial and Bay Shore Stakes
