2025 Ohio Derby Contender Analysis: Can Clever Again Rebound After Recent Setbacks?
Summer racing season is in full swing, and the spotlight is on Thistledown for the 2025 Ohio Derby. This Grade 3 event, taking place at the end of June, typically offers a second chance for three-year-olds who may have missed or underperformed in the Triple Crown trail. This year's field is packed with talent and redemption stories, and I've got my eye on a horse that could make waves.
Here's a rundown of this year's competitors:
Ohio Derby Entries
1. Brereton's Baytown
Trainer: Paul McEntee
Jockey: Marshall Mendez
Sire: Upstart
Odds: 30/1
2. Chunk of Gold
Trainer: Ethan West
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Sire: Preservationist
Odds: 7/2
3. Capo Luca
Trainer: Kim Puhl
Jockey: Luis Gonzalez
Sire: Laoban
Odds: 10/1
4. McAfee
Trainer: Rick Dutrow, Jr.
Jockey: John Velazquez
Sire: Cloud Computing
Odds: 3/1
5. Extradition
Trainer: Jason DaCosta
Jockey: Rocco Bowen
Sire: Gun Runner
Odds: 20/1
6. Clever Again
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Sire: American Pharoah
Odds: 9/5
7. Bohemian Style
Trainer: Nestor Rivera
Jockey: Israel Rodriguez
Sire: Cajun Breeze
Odds: 30/1
8. Curvino
Trainer: Peter Miller
Jockey: Mike Smith
Sire: Vino Rosso
Odds: 12/1
9. Master Controller
Trainer: Brittany Vanden Berg
Jockey: Chris Emigh
Sire: Tapiture
Odds: 20/1
10. Mo Plex
Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Sire: Complexity
Odds: 6/1
The Ohio Derby boasts a $500,000 purse, and it draws improving sophomores who have either performed well in spring prep races or are looking to bounce back from tough losses. With 1 1/8 miles on dirt, the race usually favors tactical speed, but closers have found success with well-timed rides.
The field consists of proven stakes runners and up-and-comers, with a mix of racing styles setting up an exciting pace scenario. This variety suggests this race could favor a versatile, gritty horse.
My Top Pick
I'm putting my money on Clever Again, despite the colt's disappointing performance in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Clever Again showcases early speed while also being able to sit just off the pace—an advantageous style for the Thistledown surface. He's faced tougher competition all season and could shine when taking on this field.
What makes Clever Again particularly enticing is his tactical edge. If the pace becomes intense early, he can rate and strike. If things get loose up front, he's got enough speed to go gate-to-wire. This dual-threat profile is rare in a field where most horses are committed to either front-running or deep-closing styles.
Contenders Worth Watching
Though I'm high on Clever Again, he's not guaranteed to win. Horses like Who Dey and Copper Tax have been consistently improving, and could pose serious threats if the pace falls apart. Copper Tax, though inconsistent, has the back class and the figures to make some noise. I also think Kentucky Derby runner Chunk of Gold could capitalize on a potential pace collapse.
Longshots like Just Steel and Deposition may lack big wins, but don't count them out for exotic wagers. They often hit the board in races like this, especially if the front-runners tire late.
Final Thoughts and Betting Strategy
The Ohio Derby presents attractive betting opportunities for both seasoned handicappers and casual fans, as it offers potential value throughout the field.
Bet Clever Again to win, and consider boxing him in exactas with a few longshots, like Who Dey or Deposition. For trifectas or superfectas, using deep closers underneath could potentially land a nice payday.
Regardless of your track record, the 2025 Ohio Derby promises an exciting lineup and opportunities to cash in on some wagers. Check out my picks and analysis at Racingdudes.com for more insights. Good luck!
Sports enthusiasts are likely keeping an eye on the horse-racing world, with the spotlight on the Ohio Derby, a part of the summer racing season. This Grade 3 event, taking place at Thistledown, offers a second chance for three-year-olds in horse racing, often showcasing redemption stories and impressive talent.
In this year's Ohio Derby, horse racing fans will find numerous contenders to wager on, including proven stakes runners and up-and-comers. Among these competitors is Clever Again, trained by Steve Asmussen, who showed early speed and the ability to sit just off the pace, making him a versatile choice for the Thistledown surface. Though Clever Again didn't perform well in the Preakness Stakes, his tactical edge and potential to adapt to varying pace scenarios make him an intriguing pick for the 2025 Ohio Derby.
