Hot Springs Stakes Recap

Compiled by Robert Yates

Contact: Chris Ho, Vice President of Marketing, cho@oaklawn.com, 501-623-4411 ext. 4201

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Photo Credit: Coady Media
CLEVER AGAIN - Hot Springs Stakes - 3rd Running

$200,000 Hot Springs Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Lightly raced Clever Again was fast again, rolling to an easy victory in the $200,000 Hot Springs Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 mile Sunday at Oaklawn.

Clever Again ($4.40) pulled away from even-money favorite Gaming on the second turn and coasted home by four lengths under hot-riding Jose Ortiz, who swept the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Fantasy Stakes (G2) Saturday at Oaklawn with Sandman and Quietside, respectively.

Clever Again, a son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, was exiting a front-running 3 ¼-length victory in his 2025 and two-turn debut Feb. 23 at Oaklawn under Oritz.

The Hot Springs was a replay of the maiden race as Clever Again, in his stakes debut, went right to the front and drew off late.

Gaming, a Grade 1 winner, chased Clever Again through a :46.98 half-mile, dropped back on the second turn, but re-rallied to finish 2 ¼ lengths ahead of third-place finisher Perfect Force. Max Got Excited, Hola Joey and Bout Tree Fiddy completed the order of finish. Gryphon and Landing Craft were late scratches, reducing the starting field to six.

Clever Again, the 6-5 second choice, completed the mile over a fast track in 1:37.13. The Hot Springs, Clever Again’s second victory from three lifetime starts, raised his earnings to $198,400. Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen conditions Clever Again for the powerhouse ownership group of Winchell Thoroughbreds (Ron and Joan Winchell), Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

Clever Again, a Triple Crown nominee, was purchased for $500,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

HOT SPRINGS QUOTES

WINNING JOCKEY JOSE ORTIZ (CLEVER AGAIN): “It was all him – all the horse. Broke clean, got the lead, relaxed with his ears up. I was just waiting for the right time to let him go. When I did, he was there. Just a good passer there, trying to tell him when to go.”

WINNING TRAINER STEVE ASMUSSEN (CLEVER AGAIN): “I was extremely impressed with how he acted pre-race for a horse with no more races than he has. Jumped away from there beautifully. (Went) :46 and change, a solid time, (1:11 1/5) for three-quarters, going good. Comfortable doing it. Very exciting horse for the same partnership as Tiztastic. What a nice scenario.”