Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Citizen Bull’s Secures Ticket

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Citizen Bull Shines in Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Secures Kentucky Derby Position

The Road to the Kentucky Derby took another significant turn on Feb. 1 as Citizen Bull reaffirmed his dominance with a commanding victory in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. 

The one-mile contest, one of the key Kentucky Derby Prep Races, awarded qualifying points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale. With this win, Citizen Bull increased his total to 60 points, securing his place at the top of the leaderboard. 

As Kentucky Derby betting intensifies, his performance further solidified him as a leading contender, with Kentucky Derby odds likely shortening after this decisive victory.

A Statement Win from Citizen Bull

Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Citizen Bull delivered a dominant performance despite an initial stumble at the break. Recovering quickly, he surged to the lead, holding off stablemate Rodriguez while turning away a challenge from Clock Tower down the backstretch. 

Under the guidance of jockey Martin Garcia, he effortlessly pulled away in the stretch, winning by 3 ¾ lengths in 1:36.71, just shy of last year’s set by Nysos.

Garcia noted that Citizen Bull showed signs of greenness when leading, as he pinned his ears forward and seemed to wait for competition. However, once asked for more, the Eclipse Award-winning colt displayed his trademark turn of foot, leaving no doubt about his superiority.

Baffert Sweeps the Trifecta

Baffert’s dominance in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes continued, securing his seventh straight win in the race and 13th overall. His trio of runners finished 1-2-3, with Rodriguez taking second, 2 ¼ lengths ahead of Madaket Road in third. Rodriguez initially lost position when squeezed between rivals but regained momentum late to secure the runner-up spot.

The remaining two runners, Clock Tower, a graded turf winner, and longshot Valentines Candy, could not match the pace set by the Baffert-trained trio, completing the order of finish.

Kentucky Derby Implications

With this victory, Citizen Bull solidified his status as the leading Kentucky Derby contender in terms of points and performance. Historically, a total of 60 points has been more than sufficient to guarantee a spot in the Derby starting gate. 

His ability to handle early adversity and finish with authority makes him a prime candidate for Churchill Downs.

Owned by a partnership led by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, along with Stonestreet Stable, Citizen Bull continues to develop as an elite prospect. Purchased for $675,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the son of Into Mischief is living up to his pedigree. 

His sire, Into Mischief, has been North America’s leading general sire for six consecutive years and continues to produce top-tier runners.

Looking Ahead

With a record of 4-0-1 in five starts and earnings surpassing $1.4 million, Citizen Bull is expected to target another prep race before the Kentucky Derby. Potential next stops include the Santa Anita Derby (G1) or another high-profile Derby prep. 

Meanwhile, Rodriguez and Madaket Road showed enough promise to suggest they could continue on the Derby trail.