Kentucky Derby Prep Races Contenders: Citizen Bull

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Robert B. Lewis Stakes 2025: Citizen Bull Headlines Small but Competitive Field

The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues Saturday with the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park. This $200,000 race is a key Kentucky Derby Prep Races circuit stop and offers points toward Derby qualification.

While Citizen Bull already leads the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 40 points, his stablemates Rodriguez and Madaket Road are looking to secure their place among the top contenders. 

With Kentucky Derby betting heating up, this race provides a chance to evaluate the rising stars trained by Bob Baffert. Though Kentucky Derby odds favor Citizen Bull, his challengers bring enough potential to make this a competitive showdown.

Citizen Bull Returns as the Favorite

A winner of three of four starts as a juvenile, Citizen Bull established himself as the best of his class by capturing the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). His dominant performances led to him being named the Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male of 2024. 

Making his 3-year-old debut in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, he will again be ridden by Martin Garcia. Bob Baffert, who has won this race 12 times, including every running since 2019, has carefully prepared his star colt with a steady winter work schedule.

While Citizen Bull is the clear favorite, the Robert B. Lewis Stakes is not just about him. Due to the short five-horse field, the original 20-10-6-4-2 Derby points distribution will be reduced to 75% if all runners start, meaning Citizen Bull can add to his total but not as significantly as in other preps. 

A scratch would further reduce the points, making every position crucial for the other contenders seeking to climb the leaderboard.

Rodriguez and Madaket Road Look to Make a Statement

Stablemates Rodriguez and Madaket Road, owned by a partnership with SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, enter the race with promising resumes but zero Derby points. 

Rodriguez, a son of Authentic, broke his maiden impressively last month by going a mile, running a time that caught the attention of bettors. He was listed at 22-1 in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, not far from Citizen Bull’s 17-1 odds. His ability to stretch out and compete at this level makes him an enjoyable alternative to the favorite.

Madaket Road, sired by Quality Road, broke his maiden at six furlongs after finishing second in the Bob Hope Stakes (G3). He closed at 47-1 in the Derby Future Wager and will need a strong showing to improve his standing. His potential upside makes him a contender to watch, though his ability to handle the stretch-out remains a question.

Clock Tower and Valentines Candy Round Out the Field

Clock Tower is an intriguing wildcard in the field. Trained by Wesley Ward, the son of Not This Time, he started his career on dirt, finishing second and third before switching to turf. He became a graded stakes winner on grass, but his return to dirt adds an element of uncertainty. He could be a factor if he can translate his turf success back to the main track.

The longshot of the field, Valentines Candy, appears outclassed. Trained by Dale Brewer, he took eight starts to break his maiden and then finished eighth in the King Glorious Stakes at Los Alamitos. He will need a career-best effort to compete with this group.