As April unfolds, the stakes in horse racing reach a fever pitch, even for a figure as prominent as Bob Baffert. Certainly, the countdown is on with just a handful of prep races remaining to secure those vital Kentucky Derby points. The upcoming races will serve as the ultimate goal for the many colts trained by Baffert on their journey to the Kentucky Derby.

Nonetheless, the trainer’s focus will be singular: to secure the highest possible points from the upcoming races, as this will ultimately determine their prospects in the Run for the Roses. As the Santa Anita Derby approaches on April 5, Bob Baffert is setting his sights on entering his two horses in the race. Which ones, you may ask? As per the Kentucky Derby’s official X profile, they are Citizen Bull and Barnes.

This is a big step for Bob Baffert as Citizen Bull is finally returning from his weeks-long absence from the racing scene. It’s an important moment for what is arguably Baffert’s most exciting horse, and a quick review of the three-year-old colt’s history reveals that he is currently enjoying a three-race winning streak. This streak began with Citizen Bull’s triumph in the American Pharoah Stakes, and the horse continued to assert his dominance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes.

The last race he participated in took place at Santa Anita, so this won’t be the first time he runs on this racecourse, so can he make it a 4-race streak? He has a good shot, but faces stiff competition in the form of Journalism. Interestingly enough, Citizen Bull is also set to face some internal competition in the race because of Baffert’s second entrant: Barnes.

In contrast to Citizen Bull with 5 races under his belt, Barnes is a little more inexperienced. In his three starts, he has managed to clinch two victories. But in his most recent race, during the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita, he finished in second place. But with the Derby just over a month away, Bob Baffert will hope that Barnes can find his stride at Santa Anita.

Both of Baffert’s horses exhibit a keen awareness of the track, and only time will reveal their performance outcomes. It’s also an important race for the New Mexico native, Bob Baffert, for whom Santa Anita is somewhat of home track. It’s not just results but reputation on the line here. Nonetheless, the two colts will encounter some competition at Santa Anita.

Bob Baffert won’t have it easy for him

The Santa Anita Derby is set to present a formidable challenge for Bob Baffert. The grid will showcase contenders such as Journalism, Westhood, and Baeza. Let’s break it down. Like Citizen Bull, Journalism is also riding a 3-race winning streak. His first triumph came at Del Mar. He then carried his form into the Los Alamitos Futurity for another win.  Then, in his first race of the year, the San Felipe Stakes, he triumphed over Baffert’s Barnes, securing a first-place finish in the Grade 2 event, adding an additional layer of intrigue to this race.

This matchup will serve as a direct rematch between Barnes and Michael McCarthy’s horse, generating considerable anticipation among fans. As for Citizen Bull, this will be the first time he goes up against Journalism in what promises to be an exciting battle of the heavyweights. With two winning streaks on the line, who will break the other’s?

Following Journalism, we have John Shirreffs’ Westhood on the grid. While the horse has yet to secure a victory, only time will reveal its true potential. Similarly, Baeza is under the guidance of the same trainer. The sole distinctive aspect between the two horses trained by Shirreffs is that Baeza has secured a maiden victory in his career, achieved at Santa Anita.

But the competition isn’t the only thing Bob Baffert needs to look out for. Due to having fewer than six starters, the points available for the Kentucky Derby prep race have been cut by 25 percent, according to Churchill Downs. The top three finishers will have the chance to earn 75, 37.5, and 18.75 points respectively. The reduced number of competitors poses a challenge for Barnes especially, who will face stiff competition.

Furthermore, the reduced point totals also puts the horses and their trainers at a disadvantage due to the diminishing returns. Nonetheless, they’re still much needed points for Citizen Bull and Barnes, and it gives Bob Baffert the chance to flex his might and win his 9th Santa Anita Derby. But who will triumph? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!