Mo Plex showcased his versatility and stamina by winning the Grade 3 Ohio Derby at Thistledown, successfully handling the added distance of 1 1/8 miles in just his second start at that length. Trained by Jeremiah Englehart and ridden by Joseph Ramos, Mo Plex overcame a slow start from the far outside post to stalk the pace set by Clever Again, eventually overtaking him in the stretch and holding off the favorite, Chunk of Gold, for a two-length victory. This win marked Mo Plex’s second consecutive triumph, adding to an impressive record that includes victories in the Grade 3 Sanford and Funny Cide Stakes, as well as a solid showing in Grade 1 and statebred company.

Chunk of Gold, despite being a modest $2,500 purchase, has shown promise with strong runner-up finishes in graded stakes but faltered on sloppy track conditions in the Kentucky Derby. Clever Again, the morning-line favorite, set the pace but faded to finish behind Mo Plex. Other notable runners included McAfee and Extradition, with scratches from Curvino and Master Controller. Mo Plex, a son of Complexity owned by R H stable, remains undefeated in his career and paid $12.80 for the Ohio Derby win, covering the distance in 1:50.72. Additionally, Goldeneye Magic caused an upset in the Lady Jacqueline stakes earlier on the card.