Wherever he goes in the horse racing world, Bob Baffert commands attention. That’s just how it is when you’re a figure like Baffert, hated, adored, but never ignored. But regardless of what anyone thinks of him, the fact of the matter is Baffert is back, and he means business as he gears up to make his comeback at the prestigious Churchill Downs following a suspension in 2021, with the pursuit of his seventh Kentucky Derby title looming. So, what did he have to say about his return?

“I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission took steps to enforce the rules that they believed were necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love to do without any more distraction or negativity. I very much look forward to returning to Churchill Downs and getting back to the Winner’s Circle,” said Baffert.

Nevertheless, the preparatory races for the 72-year-old trainer have proven to be quite demanding. The reason? This year, the competition is fierce, and Baffert cannot afford to make a wrong step with other competitors like Journalism and Coal Battle and their respective trainers and riders waiting to capitalize on any mistake.

In light of recent developments, Bob Baffert has openly shared his thoughts, remarking, “This is a very exciting time of year for horse racing, and I’m just glad that I’m, at least I have a dog in the fight, you know, you don’t know, you know, and so you don’t know until that last prep, you know, that can either, it can either go really well, or it can just be, you know, the disappointments, you know, but we’re always prepared for the disappointment, right, because the great Charlie Whittingham said, you know, expect the worst, hope for the best attitude, and you won’t go crazy in this game, so there’s a lot of highs and lows.”

Baffert expressed satisfaction with the current competitive landscape. He is making a return for that sought-after title after a period of suspension, fully embracing the challenges that the sport has presented him. What are they, precisely? Baffert has entered several horses in pursuit of securing a place at the Kentucky Derby. Yet, only a handful of his horses have managed to stand out. Notably, there’s Citizen Bull, who has been enjoying a winning streak and is set to compete in the upcoming Santa Anita Derby.

Moreover, the 72-year-old has recognized the inherent unpredictability of the sport. Certainly, numerous elements play a role, and even one workout can significantly impact a horse’s performance. Overall, Baffert anticipates a high octane season, thanks to the unpredictability inherent to the sport. Now where is Bob Baffert taking his horses next?

Bob Baffert is headed to his home track

The Santa Anita Derby stands as a distinguished Grade I thoroughbred horse race exclusively for three-year-olds, taking place every April at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Established in 1935, this race spans a distance of 1⅛ miles (9 furlongs) on a dirt track, boasting a purse of $500,000. This race plays a pivotal role in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, providing essential qualifying points for the victor.

Although this year’s point totals are reduced on account of there only being 5 entrants, it’s still an important race, especially for Baffert’s horse Barnes, who needs a good finish to keep any chances of making the Kentucky Derby alive. Nonetheless, Santa Anita Park is considered Baffert’s home track; he’s won this derby a whopping 9 times. The point totals may be reduced, but the personal prestige factor isn’t.

Indeed, the spotlight will be on his two horses, Citizen Bull and Barnes, as they take center stage in the race. Their statistics? Citizen Bull has been near perfect so far. What’s the reason behind that? Besides last year’s Del Mar Futurity, this three-year-old colt boasts an unblemished record in all other races. Indeed, this was merely the setback after his debut, and now Citizen Bull boasts a three-race winning streak, which he and jockey Martin Garcia are eager to extend to four for Baffert.

And his second horse? Actually, Barnes has had a career characterized by both successes and challenges. After securing his first victory, the colt extended his success by triumphing in the San Vicente Stakes. However, in the subsequent race at Santa Anita, the San Felipe Stakes, he faced a setback against Journalism. There are certainly questions surrounding the colt, but this race will reveal whether he can shift the perspective of many dramatically. Which horse will clinch victory under the bright California sunshine? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.