The Ohio Derby 2024 features a competitive 10-horse field at Jack Thistledown Racino, kicking off the summer mid-major Derby series. Catching Freedom, coming off a fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness is the morning-line favourite at 9-5.
With two graded-stakes winners, three Preakness contenders, and six horses from the Kentucky Derby trail, the Ohio Derby promises to be an exciting race. Trainer Brad Cox, a two-time winner of the Ohio Derby, brings in Catching Freedom as the standout horse.
Here is a breakdown of the full field with official morning-line odds for the Ohio Derby, set as race 13 of 13 with a 6:00 p.m. EDT post time:
- Frizzante (15-1): Recently broke maiden, but has not shown enough to be considered a contender.
- Gould’s Gold (5-1): Improved as a 3-year-old, finishing third in the Sir Barton on Preakness weekend. Consider for underneath in exotic bets.
- Charleston (30-1): Still a maiden, with questionable form and trainer changes. Best to pass on.
- Copper Tax (7-2): Strong record with stakes wins as a 2-year-old and promising form. Use in exotic bets.
- Uncle Heavy (6-1): A contender with stakes experience and fast workouts leading up to the race.
- Deposition (12-1): Won recent allowance race, but inconsistent in stakes competition. Better to skip.
- Who’s the King (20-1): A live long shot after a convincing maiden win for new trainer Saffie Joseph.
- Catching Freedom (9-5): The top choice with impressive performances in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Expect a strong showing from this class act.
- Batten Down (8-1): Well-bred colt with a strong maiden win and potential as a win contender.
- Mugatu (12-1): Lacks victories but has shown potential in allowance races. Consider skipping in this deep field.
With only two horses having won on the Kentucky Derby trail, Catching Freedom stands out as the class horse in the Ohio Derby. Trainer Brad Cox's decision to skip the Belmont Stakes indicates confidence in his horse's abilities. Expect Catching Freedom to be the one to beat in the Ohio Derby.