Bring on the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), Bob Baffert is preparing for a grand return.
The Hall of Fame trainer now has the early Derby favorite in his barn after Citizen Bull took charge from the start and won the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) on Friday at Del Mar.
Bob Baffert’s Breeders’ Cup Legacy: Six Juvenile Victories and Counting
Not only did Baffert win, he ran second with Gaming, who was 1 ½ lengths back, and fourth with Getaway Car in a field loaded with Grade 1-winning 2-year-olds.
While just two Juvenile winners have gone on to win the Derby in the first 40 years of the Breeders’ Cup, Baffert could be loaded in his first Run for the Roses after serving a three-year suspension by Churchill Downs. He was banned when Medina Spirit tested positive for an overage of a race-day medication after finishing first in the 2021 Derby.
Gaming and jockey Flavien Prat win the Grade I, $300,000 Del Mar Futurity, Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Del Mar Thoroughbred CLub, Del Mar CA.
© BENOIT PHOTO
Citizen Bull, sent off at generous odds of 15-1, was ridden by Baffert former go-to rider Martin Garcia. The jockey heard Citizen Bull might needed a rider, got in touch with Baffert assistant Jimmy Barnes, and won the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) with the colt on Oct. 5.
“He always comes through,’’ said Baffert, who has won the Juvenile a record six times and now totals 19 Breeders’ Cup wins. “He’s a big time rider. He told me, ‘I’m gonna win it.’”
Unbeaten East Avenue, the 1.80-1 favorite, stumbled at the start and was never a factor, while unbeaten Chancer McPatrick left from post 10 also failed to challenge.
Baffert nearly pulled off a 1-2-3 sweep but 60-1 longshot Hill Road nipped Getaway Car at the wire for third.
Winning time for the 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.07.
Baffert Comments on Derby Prospects After Citizen Bull’s Success
Citizen Bull ($33.80) improved to 3-for-4 for owners SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom Ryan, Wave Edge Capital, and Cathrine Donovan. Earnings improved to $1.3 million.
The Juvenile is a Derby points qualifier with Citizen Bull earning 30 points for the win. The next four finishers earned 15-9-6-3 points, respectively.
Ferocious was fourth, followed by Chancer McPatrick, Jonathan’s Way, Ecoro Azel, East Avenue, and Shin Believe.
Baffert, a five-time Derby winner, was asked about his return to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
“It means we don’t have to discuss that situation again. That’s what it means,’’ he said. “Right now, it’s too far out, and you really don’t know if you have a Derby horse until about February. Things happen. So, I don’t get too far ahead of myself.”
$1 million Juvenile Turf (G1): Henri Matisse
Favorite Henri Matisse ($9.80) came through with a brilliant stretch run and won the 1-mile Juvenile Turf by a neck over Iran Man Cal, giving Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien a 20th BC victory – tied with D. Wayne Lukas for the most BC victories.
The Ireland-bred Henri Matisse, ridden by Ryan Moore, won for the fourth time in six starts as he rebounded from a fifth-place finish in the Prix Jean Luc-Legardere (G1) at Longchamp on Oct. 6.
Dream On held the lead until the stretch, with Zulu Kingdom second, but the closers came on strong, with Henri Matisse proving the best.
Winning time for the mile was 1:34.48.