Clever Again heads 10-horse Ohio Derby

Bet down as the 5-1 second choice in the Preakness (G1), Clever Again established a hot pace before being roughed up in the Pimlico stretch, giving way in his first attempt versus graded rivals, and the Steve Asmussen-trained colt looks like as a serious rebound candidate in Saturday’s $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3). 

The speedy bay tops a field of 10 three-year-olds in the 1 1/8-mile test at Thistledown, and regular rider Jose Ortiz will be in to guide the 9-5 morning line favorite.

By American Pharoah and out of a Galileo mare, Clever Again raced only once as a two-year-old, finishing a head second in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden race in the spring at Keeneland, and impressively broke his maiden when returning from a 10-month layoff in a two-turn maiden at Oaklawn Park in late February. He came back to record another eye-catching decision in the Hot Springs S. five weeks later, dominating once again on the front end, and Clever Again figures to put his speed to good use in the Ohio Derby. 

Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) runner-up Chunk of Gold will look to make an impact from off the pace. Trained by Ethan West, the gray colt established a favorable early position but lacked the necessary rally over a sloppy track in the Kentucky Derby (G1), checking in ninth, and the stalker will keep Jareth Loveberry in the irons.

McAfee merits respect following a runner-up in the Peter Pan (G3) at Aqueduct, finishing less than a length behind Hill Road. By Cloud Computing, the Rick Dutrow-trained colt recorded a decent fifth in the Wood Memorial (G2) two back and appears to like the nine-furlong distance. John Velazquez has the call.

Grade 3 juvenile winner Mo Plex will stretch to two turns after winning the seven-furlong Bay Shore at Aqueduct in mid-April. Three-time Thistledown allowance scorer Capo Luca and stakes veteran Brereton’s Baytown are also part of the mix.

One race prior to the Ohio Derby, Grade 3 winner Where’s My Ring heads a field of eight distaffers in the $250,000 Lady Jacqueline S. at 1 1/8 miles. The Peter Miller-trained mare will try to bounce back after finishing sixth as the favorite in the Shawnee (G3) at Churchill Downs in late May.

Peignoir, fourth in the Allaire du Pont S. on Preakness weekend, rates as a serious contender. In Just My Heels, who was multiple stakes-placed at Oaklawn earlier this season, is another contestant to consider.