In an impressive showcase of talent and training, Citizen Bull decisively secured victory in the highly competitive $200,000 Robert Lewis Stakes at the scenic Santa Anita Park. This win marked the colt’s remarkable return to the track since clinching the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile title last November.
The exceptional colt, expertly trained by the celebrated Bob Baffert, completed the mile in a swift 1:36.71, guided by skilled jockey Martin Garcia. With this triumph, Citizen Bull accrued a crucial 20 points towards qualifying for the coveted Kentucky Derby, set to occur this May.
Baffert, a revered figure in the world of horse racing, remarked on Citizen Bull's latent potential, stating, “The champ is back. It’s funny, you see him and you don’t realize that he has those gears. He won’t show you that in the morning, but he does have gears.” His words underscored the horse’s innate ability to harness speed and resilience during major competitions.
The race unfolded with Citizen Bull slightly faltering at the start, but his quick recovery was nothing short of impressive. Taking the lead early, he maintained a strong position on the inside, demonstrating both power and agility. “When I was warming him up, he just wanted to go and you could see that he was ready,” Garcia noted, reflecting on the colt’s spirited readiness. Citizen Bull's quick reaction post-start only added to his dominance in the race.
Rounding off the spectacle, Baffert's impressive training catalog was further illustrated by his horses Rodriguez and Madaket Road, which took second and third places respectively. This clean sweep represents Baffert's seventh consecutive win in the Robert Lewis Stakes and his thirteenth overall victory in this event, cementing his reputation as a master trainer.
In terms of betting performance, Citizen Bull garnered tremendous support, yielding $3.80, $2.20, and $2.10 at 4-5 odds. Rodriguez offered returns of $2.40 and $2.10, while Madaket Road paid $2.10 for show.
This victory not only reaffirms Citizen Bull's prestigious status as last year’s champion 2-year-old male but also sets the stage for an exhilarating performance in upcoming races, with many enthusiasts eagerly looking forward to his contention in the Kentucky Derby.
For ardent fans and newcomers alike, the allure of horse racing continues to thrive, driven by the compelling narratives of promising horses and their adept trainers who bring a rich tapestry of competition and excitement to each event.
