This $500,000 Grade 3 stakes for three-year-olds will be contested over 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on dirt, and features a deep field of 10, including Triple Crown alumni, graded stakes performers, and local upstarts.
Race Overview: 2025 Ohio Derby at Thistledown
- Race: Ohio Derby (G3) – Race 12
- Track: Thistledown
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
- Purse: $500,000
- Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds
- Post Time: 6:20 PM ET
- Wagering: Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 4
This year’s Ohio Derby features Preakness participant Clever Again, Kentucky Derby runner Chunk of Gold, and Peter Pan Stakes runner-up McAfee, setting up a compelling clash of class, speed, and redemption arcs.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis with Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brereton’s Baytown | Marshall Mendez | Paul McEntee | Upstart – Kika | 30-1 |
| 2 | Chunk of Gold | Jareth Loveberry | Ethan West | Preservationist – Play for Gold | 7-2 |
| 3 | Capo Luca | Luis Gonzalez | Kim Puhl | Laoban – Better Not Cry | 10-1 |
| 4 | McAfee | John Velazquez | Rick Dutrow Jr. | Cloud Computing – Sataves | 3-1 |
| 5 | Extradition | Rocco Bowen | Jason DaCosta | Gun Runner – If Not For Her | 20-1 |
| 6 | Clever Again | Jose Ortiz | Steve Asmussen | American Pharoah – Flattering (IRE) | 9-5 (Fav) |
| 7 | Bohemian Style | Israel Rodriguez | Nestor Rivera | Cajun Breeze – Scandalous Act | 30-1 |
| 8 | Curvino | Mike Smith | Peter Miller | Vino Rosso – Queenie’s Pride | 12-1 |
| 9 | Master Controller | Chris Emigh | Brittany Vanden Berg | Tapiture – Key Is to Win | 20-1 |
| 10 | Mo Plex | Joseph Ramos | Jeremiah Englehart | Complexity – Mo Joy | 6-1 |
Top Contenders to Watch
Clever Again (Post 6)
- Trainer: Steve Asmussen
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Form: Winner of Hot Springs Stakes; 9th in Preakness
- Speed Figure: 108 (Hot Springs)
- Analysis: The son of American Pharoah is the class of the field, boasting the highest Equibase Speed Figure. He’s expected to control the pace from a favorable post and could wire the field if left alone.
McAfee (Post 4)
- Trainer: Rick Dutrow Jr.
- Jockey: John Velazquez
- Form: 2nd in G3 Peter Pan; half-brother to Thorpedo Anna
- Speed Figure: 98
- Analysis: Improving colt with tactical speed and strong pedigree. Blinkers helped in the Peter Pan, and he’s poised for a breakthrough.
Chunk of Gold (Post 2)
- Trainer: Ethan West
- Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
- Form: 9th in Kentucky Derby; 2nd in G2 Louisiana Derby
- Speed Figure: 96
- Analysis: Cinderella story with a gritty running style. If the pace collapses, he’ll be flying late.
Live Longshots & Value Plays
- Mo Plex (Post 10): Stakes winner at 7F; stretching out for the first time. Dangerous if he handles two turns.
- Capo Luca (Post 3): 3-for-3 at Thistledown; local hero with tactical speed. Faces class test but loves the surface.
- Master Controller (Post 9): Recent maiden winner with early speed. Could hang on for a share.
Race Strategy & Pace Scenario
- Expected Pace: Honest to fast. Clever Again, Mo Plex, and Master Controller all have early foot.
- Closers: Chunk of Gold, McAfee, and Curvino will look to capitalize late.
- Key Matchup: Clever Again vs McAfee – front-end control vs stalking class.
Projected Order of Finish
- Clever Again
- McAfee
- Chunk of Gold
- Mo Plex
- Capo Luca
