2025 Ohio Derby Odds: Can Clever Again Get Back On Track?

Forbes

6 hours ago

As the summer racing season heats up, all eyes turn to Thistledown for the 2025 edition of the Ohio Derby. Traditionally held in late June, this Grade 3 event has long served as a second-chance spotlight for three-year-olds who may have missed or underperformed in the Triple Crown trail. This year's field is full of talent and redemption arcs, and I've zeroed in on one horse I believe could steal the show.
But first, take a look at the race contenders.
Trainer: Paul McEntee
Jockey: Marshall Mendez
Sire: Upstart
Odds: 30/1
Trainer: Ethan West
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Sire: Preservationist
Odds: 7/2
Trainer: Kim Puhl
Jockey: Luis Gonzalez
Sire: Laoban
Odds: 10/1
Trainer: Rick Dutrow, Jr.
Jockey: John Velazquez
Sire: Cloud Computing
Odds: 3/1
Trainer: Jason DaCosta
Jockey: Rocco Bowen
Sire: Gun Runner
Odds: 20/1
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Sire: American Pharoah
Odds: 9/5
Trainer: Nestor Rivera
Jockey: Israel Rodriguez
Sire: Cajun Breeze
Odds: 30/1
Trainer: Peter Miller
Jockey: Mike Smith
Sire: Vino Rosso
Odds: 12/1
Trainer: Brittany Vanden Berg
Jockey: Chris Emigh
Sire: Tapiture
Odds: 20/1
Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Sire: Complexity
Odds: 6/1
The Ohio Derby offers a $500,000 purse and draws a field of improving sophomores, many coming off solid performances in spring prep races or looking to rebound from tough beats. With 1 1/8 miles on dirt, the race typically favors tactical speed, though closers have found success with well-timed rides.
This year's field includes a mix of proven stakes runners and up-and-comers. Horses like Who Dey and Copper Tax have gained attention with steady form, while others are taking a big class leap. The diversity in racing styles sets up an intriguing pace scenario—one that I believe will favor a horse with versatility and grit.
I'm doing it. I'm making Clever Again my top pick, despite being wary after the colt's recent defeat in the Preakness Stakes (G1).
Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Clever Again brings a combination of early speed and the ability to sit just off the pace—an ideal style for the Thistledown surface. He has been facing tougher competition all season and may finally land in a spot where his class edge shines.
What makes Clever Again particularly appealing is the tactical advantage. If the pace heats up early, he has the ability to rate and strike. If things get loose on the front end, he's fast enough to go gate-to-wire. That kind of dual-threat profile is rare in a field where most horses are committed to either front-running or deep-closing styles.
While I do like Clever Again, he's not a lock by any means. Who Dey, who ran impressively earlier this spring, continues to improve and could be a serious threat if the pace falls apart. Meanwhile, Copper Tax, though a bit inconsistent, has the back class and the figures to make some noise if he can find racing room. I also think Kentucky Derby (G1) runner Chunk of Gold could be a horse who could take advantage of a potential pace meltdown.
Longshots like Just Steel and Deposition may lack big wins, but Aaron advises not to overlook them in exotics. These types often hit the board in races like this, especially if the front-runners tire late.
For bettors, the Ohio Derby is one of the more playable summer stakes races before Saratoga and Del Mar begin, with potential value throughout the field.
Bet Clever Again to win, and consider boxing him in exactas with a few price horses like Who Dey or Deposition. For those playing trifectas or superfectas, using deep closers underneath could catch a nice payday.
Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking for action, the 2025 Ohio Derby promises a competitive field and betting opportunities galore. You can get more picks and analysis from me over at Racingdudes.com. Good luck!