Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Santa Anita Derby

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Journalism and Citizen Bull Clash in High-Stakes 2025 Santa Anita Derby

As the Kentucky Derby Prep Races reach their final stretch, the spotlight turns to Santa Anita Park for one of the calendar’s most critical 2025 Kentucky Derby qualifiers. On Saturday, the 88th running of the Grade 1, $500,000 Santa Anita Derby features a five-horse field led by top Kentucky Derby contenders Journalism and Citizen Bull. 

With 100-50-25-15-10 points on the line, this race could dramatically impact Kentucky Derby odds and reshape the landscape for Kentucky Derby betting.

The Santa Anita Derby, scheduled as Race 10 on a 12-race card, will be run over 1 1/8 miles. As a key Derby qualifier, it headlines a day packed with top-tier racing and entertainment at “The Great Race Place.” Post time is set for 4:30 p.m. PT.

Journalism Enters as the One to Beat

Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism arrives as the early Kentucky Derby favorite following his dominant victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 1. That day, he posted a 108 Beyer Speed Figure—currently the highest by any active 3-year-old this season—when tracking down and overtaking Barnes in the final furlong.

Journalism boasts a résumé that includes a Grade 2 win in the Los Alamitos Futurity as a 2-year-old and an overall record of 4: 3-0-1 with $338,880 in earnings. Don Alberto Stable bred and sold him for $825,000 as a yearling. He now races in partnership under Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto, Robert LaPenta, and Elayne Stables 5 LLC. Umberto Rispoli, who rode him to both graded victories, retains the mount.

Citizen Bull Looks to Reclaim the Spotlight

Rival Citizen Bull, trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, was last year’s Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male after scoring victories in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He returned this year with a front-running win in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Feb. 1 at Santa Anita.

Citizen Bull, with a record of 5: 4-0-1 and over $1.4 million in earnings, looks to reclaim his place atop the division. A proven talent, the son of Into Mischief was a $675,000 purchase by the powerhouse ownership group of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables. Adding to the intrigue, Martin Garcia, who guided Dortmund to Santa Anita Derby glory in 2015, will return to the irons.

Barnes and Baeza Could Upset the Stars

Baffert will also saddle Barnes, who set the pace in the San Felipe before Journalism caught him late. A $3.2 million yearling purchase by Zedan Racing, Barnes is by Into Mischief out of an American Pharoah mare. He’s won 2 of 3 starts and will be ridden by Juan Hernandez.

Baeza, trained by John Shirreffs, adds intrigue to the field. A $1.2 million yearling and half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, Baeza broke his maiden by 4 ½ lengths at Santa Anita on Feb. 14. With just three career starts, he remains a wildcard but is bred to run all day. Hector Berrios retains the mount for Shirreffs, who’s looking for his fourth Santa Anita Derby win.

Westwood, also trained by Shirreffs, is a maiden in three starts and enters as a longshot under Tiago Pereira.

Big Stakes Day at Santa Anita

The Santa Anita Derby headlines a loaded card that includes the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks, Grade 3 Monrovia Stakes, and California-bred races like the Echo Eddie and Evening Jewel. The first post is 12 p.m. PT, with gates opening at 10 a.m.

With Kentucky Derby points, prestige, and momentum all on the line, the Santa Anita Derby is a must-watch for fans and bettors. To see full odds, explore betting options, and place your wagers on this key prep, visit our racebook today.