As the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes approaches at Pimlico Race Course on May 18, 2025, all eyes are on the field that will contest this pivotal second jewel of the Triple Crown. Among the contenders, Clever Again emerges as a fascinating and potentially lucrative longshot, blending elite pedigree, rising form, and tactical versatility. At 12-1 odds, this colt offers bettors a compelling opportunity to back a horse with genuine upside in a race that often defies expectations.
Clever Again is a 3-year-old bay colt sired by American Pharoah, the legendary 2015 Triple Crown champion who made his mark in racing with a unique mix of speed, endurance, and determination. Offspring of American Pharoah have demonstrated an impressive skills in competing at classic distances, and Clever Again is a direct beneficiary of this impressive bloodline. His mother, Smart Again, is by Smart Strike, a stallion recognized for siring tough and adaptable runners that thrive on both dirt and synthetic tracks.
Racing Form and Development Trajectory
Even though he hasn’t raced much, Clever Again is on the rise. He made his debut at Keeneland in April 2024, finishing a close second in a six-furlong sprint, showing off his early speed and smart racing tactics. Since then, he’s been running longer distances and getting in better shape, leading to a recent allowance win at Oaklawn Park where he scored a solid Equibase Speed Figure of 101, a crucial sign that he’s ready to take on the top contenders in the Preakness.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has been really careful with Clever Again’s training, emphasizing gradual conditioning and mental growth. He mentions that the horse is really starting to shine, showing a better ability to deal with pressure and the ups and downs of racing. This growth is super important because the Preakness isn’t just about raw talent; it’s also about how well a horse can adapt and stay calm on race day.
Tactical Versatility: A Jockey’s Dream
Jockey Jose L. Ortiz, famous for his keen race instincts and ability to save energy until the right moment, will be riding Clever Again. With his background in intense races, including several Triple Crown events, he’s well-prepared to handle the unique layout and pacing at Pimlico.
Clever Again has demonstrated the skill to either stay just off the early pace or move up closer to the front when needed, giving it tactical options. This adaptability is a huge advantage in a Preakness race where the pace can change dramatically, often leading to a fast start that benefits a strong finisher.
Impact of Field Changes: Opening the Door
The 2025 Preakness lineup has changed a lot since Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby champ and top pick, pulled out. Without him leading the pack, the race is now more wide open, giving horses like Clever Again a better shot at taking advantage of a less crowded pace.
Other strong competitors like Journalism (5-2) and Rodriguez (5-1) are still tough, but Clever Again’s mix of speed, endurance, and racing skills might help him take advantage of any tactical errors or slowdowns.
Why Bet on Clever Again? A Strategic Perspective
Value at 12-1: Wagering on Clever Again presents a great chance for good returns. The odds show that people are a bit doubtful because he hasn’t raced much, but his actual performance and lineage indicate he’s worth more than what the odds suggest.
Elite Trainer-Jockey Combo: The Asmussen-Ortiz team has a solid track record of crafting and implementing successful strategies in Triple Crown races.
Momentum and Conditioning: Clever Again’s latest training sessions and race results show they’re in top shape both physically and mentally.
Expert Endorsements: Analysts such as Jody Demling have pointed out that Clever Again is a surprising contender that could yield significant returns, emphasizing its ability to shake things up.
Clever Again is the perfect underdog for the Preakness: a horse with top-notch genes, steadily getting better, and adaptable in strategy, ready to seize the opportunity in a less competitive race. Although he’s not the top pick, he has the traits that have often resulted in unexpected victories at Pimlico.
If you’re a bettor looking for a mix of good value and real chances to win, Clever Again is a great pick for exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, or superfectas. With his strong pedigree, solid training, and the right opportunities, he’s not just a contender to place but could also take home the win at the 2025 Preakness Stakes.