Just like any other sport, horse racing is no stranger to controversy. Are you looking for an example? Ask any horse racing enthusiast, new or old, and Bob Baffert will be a name you’re likely to hear. For example, his horse, Medina Spirit, failed a drug test after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby. The trainer received a two-year suspension from participating in any races at Churchill Downs, and Medina Spirit was stripped of the win. But now Baffert looks set to make his return to the circuit, ignoring his reputation for notoriety.

In 2024, after much debate among fans, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) ultimately lifted the ban. “We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a substantial penalty, and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward. All parties agree that it is time to bring this chapter to a close and focus on the future. Mr. Baffert is welcome to return to any of CDI’s racetracks, including our flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack, and we wish him and his connections good luck in their future competitive endeavors,” said CDI’s CEO Bill Carstanjen.

As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, Baffert’s objective is clear: to regain his footing and claim those coveted roses once again. That is precisely what he is accomplishing, as not just one but two of his horses are positioned in the top three on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Now, that’s what you call a statement! And at the Sunland Park Derby, Baffert showed exactly why he’s in that position. Can you guess who maintained the lead right from the beginning? If you guessed Bob Baffert’s Getaway Car—expertly ridden by Juan Hernandez—then you would be correct.

Sunland Park saw the horses locked in fierce competition on the dirt track. But the contest was unfolding seamlessly for Getaway Car, but out of nowhere, Caldera, with Rafael Bejarano in the saddle, began to close the gap. As they approached the final bend, the two horses were neck and neck. In a thrilling conclusion, Getaway Car demonstrated a slight edge in speed over Caldera during the final stretch, ultimately clinching a dramatic victory.

The 20th edition of the Sunland Park Derby not only featured an impressive $400,000 prize pool but also awarded 20 qualifying points for the prestigious Kentucky Derby. After this race Baffert’s colt now ranks third in the Road to the Kentucky Derby, boasting a total of 36 points. The three-year-old currently trails Magnitude, who in turn is pursuing another Baffert-trained horse for the top spot.

Bob Baffert’s crown jewel for the 2025 Kentucky Derby

When the Kentucky Derby approaches, trainers such as Bob Baffert often opt to prepare multiple horses. The elevated stakes provide the perfect stage for the trainer to show his unwavering resolve to reclaim his position in the racing world. Indeed, Baffert is setting his sights high this season, and the race at Churchill Downs represents the ultimate prize after his ignominious exit in 2021.

But who is this horse that’s topping the rankings, the one who can bring Baffert Derby glory? It’s Citizen Bull— leading the pack in the Road to the Kentucky Derby, boasting an impressive total of 60 points. Although he only has a 5-point lead over Magnitude, the colt is set to compete in more races before May’s Kentucky Derby. Therefore, he has ample opportunity to rack up points and further establish his lead.

And looking at his career, it seems unlikely that the equine star will give up the lead. In 2024, Citizen Bull participated in four races, to great success. He secured victory in three of those instances. These were significant accomplishments for the young horse and signal the emergence of a promising talent. His lone third-place finish at the Del Mar Futurity looked to be but a blip as Citizen Bull bounced back quickly.

Citizen Bull lived up to his name with two bullish wins. The then two-year-old achieved victory at both the American Pharoah Stakes and the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, two highly regarded Grade 1 races. He’s continued winning into 2025 with a victory at the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes. The ban has been lifted, and Bob Baffert looks to have unearthed another equine star in the making. The scene is set for Citizen Bull to be adorned with the 554 roses come May. Will Baffert and his horse come out on top? Only time will tell.