The 2025 Ohio Derby (G3) event held on Saturday, June 21 at Thistledown in North Randall, Ohio, features a competitive field of ten sophomores racing 1⅛ miles on a fast dirt surface for a $500,000 purse. Morning-line favorite Clever Again (9–5) looks to rebound from a troubled trip in the Preakness, while Chunk of Gold (7–2), a Kentucky Derby runner and Louisiana Derby runner-up, promises for a strong late kick. Here’s what you need to know:
🎩 Ohio Derby Day – Thistledown
A Showcase on Dirt
- Race: Ohio Derby (G3)
- Date & Time: June 21, 2025, Race 12 at approximately 11:20 AM local (EDT)
- Purse: $500,000
- Distance: 1⅛ miles on fast dirt
🐎 The Contenders
A competitive field of 10 sophomores heads to post:
| Program No. | Horse | Odds ML | Jockey & Trainer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | McAfee | 3‑1 | John Velazquez / Richard Dutrow Jr. | Ex‑Peter Pan S runner‑up, blinkers on; strong recent drill at Churchill Downs |
| 6 | Clever Again | 9‑5 (fav) | Jose Ortiz / Steven Asmussen | Hot Springs S winner, pace factor; flashed early in Preakness |
| 2 | Chunk of Gold | 7‑2 | Jareth Loveberry / Ethan West | Risen Star & Louisiana Derby runner‑up; Derby ninth |
| 10 | Mo Plex | 6‑1 | Joseph Ramos / Jeremiah Englehart | G3 winner stretching for 2 turns first time |
| 9 | Master Controller | 20‑1 | Christopher Emigh / Brittany Vanden Berg | Deep closer with upside in exotic plays |
| Others | (Brereton’s Baytown, Capo Luca, Extradition, Bohemian Style, Curvino) | 10‑1 – 30‑1 | Mix of local and shippers | Pass |
Morning-line favorites: Clever Again (9-5), McAfee (3-1), Chunk of Gold (7-2), Mo Plex (6-1)
🧠 Handicappers’ Insights
- McAfee stands out as the logical choice: blinkers for focus, consistent improvement with elite rider, and solid graded stakes form.
- Clever Again will likely dictate pace. His early Preakness move shows guts, but stamina at nine furlongs remains to be fully tested.
- Chunk of Gold has class upside but might be overbet due to his Triple Crown stint. His best form trails the top duo but could have a pace advantage.
- Mo Plex and Master Controller are interesting value plays—especially in exotics—should the favorites falter.
📊 Betting Strategy
- Win bet: Slight lean toward Chunk of Gold at 7-2.
- Exotic tickets:
- Unlock our Premium Picks & Plays HERE.
🏁 Post-Race Notes & History
- Exact results pending. Winner pockets $315K
- Recent winners reinforce the purse pattern: top prize $300K in past years like 2024’s Batten Down.
- Thistledown’s Ohio Derby—only graded stakes in Ohio—remains a critical stop on the aging ladder for 3-year-olds
📝 Final Word
All eyes on McAfee, but Clever Again looms fierce on the front end, and Chunk of Gold can’t be entirely dismissed. Expect a two-horse pace battle that may leave room for Mo Plex or Master Controller to swoop in late.
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