The Road to Louisville: Key Derby Prep Races Heat Up
Jan 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
As the anticipation for the Kentucky Derby builds, this weekend marks a pivotal moment with three crucial prep races. The Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park, the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita, and the Withers at Aqueduct will award valuable points to contenders, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown in Louisville. These races promise not only thrilling competition but also significant implications for the future of several promising thoroughbreds.
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Robert B. Lewis Stakes: A Controversial Comeback
The Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita is shaping up to be a contentious affair. Only five horses are set to compete, including three trained by Bob Baffert, who returns from a Churchill Downs-imposed ban following the 2021 controversy involving Medina Spirit. Baffert's trio—Citizen Bull, Madaket Road, and Rodriguez—are expected to dominate the betting lines. Citizen Bull, the highest earner with 40 Derby points, headlines the group. His impressive record includes a Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile win. Despite the limited field, this race offers an intriguing narrative of redemption and controversy.Baffert's resurgence has sparked mixed reactions. While some view it as a testament to his skill, others see it as a reflection of the sport's complex relationship with past indiscretions. Regardless, the presence of these high-profile horses adds layers of drama and excitement. Each horse represents a significant investment, with Citizen Bull leading the pack at a $675,000 auction price. As they prepare for their first starts of 2025, all eyes will be on how they perform under pressure.
At Gulfstream Park, the Holy Bull Stakes features a more competitive field of seven horses. Among them, Ferocious stands out as the main attraction. Purchased for $1.3 million, this Flatter colt has yet to fully justify his hefty price tag. After an impressive debut win at Saratoga, he faltered in subsequent races, finishing fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Now, with Javier Castellano aboard, Ferocious aims to regain momentum and add to his eight Derby points.Ferocious will face formidable opponents like Guns Loaded and He’s Not Joking. Guns Loaded, trained by Jose D’Angelo, narrowly won the Mucho Macho Man stakes, showcasing his tactical speed. Meanwhile, He’s Not Joking, a surprise winner in the Grey (G3) at Woodbine, struggled on dirt. The contrast between these horses highlights the unpredictable nature of racing, where past performance doesn’t always guarantee future success. Trainers and jockeys alike must adapt strategies based on track conditions and competition.
Withers Stakes: Regional Talent Shines
The Withers Stakes at Aqueduct brings together a diverse group of horses, many hailing from the Mid-Atlantic region. Global Steve, owned by Cash Is King LLC and LC Racing LLC, boasts an undefeated record in two starts. His resilience was evident when he rallied from last to win the Parx Future Stars on a sloppy track. Mychel Sanchez, his regular rider, will be looking to continue this winning streak.Omaha Omaha, a Virginia-bred colt trained by Mike Gorham, has shown steady improvement. After breaking his maiden at Delaware, he secured a commanding victory in an allowance race at Laurel. Most recently, he finished second in the Jerome, proving his ability to compete against tougher opposition. Raul Mena, who has partnered with Omaha Omaha in all his races, remains confident in their chances.Surfside Moon, despite his turf pedigree, will attempt to make an impact on dirt. Although he struggled in his most recent dirt race, his versatility could surprise the field. Mo Quality, another contender, showed promise in the Smarty Jones, finishing second behind Coal Battle. The Withers promises to be a wide-open contest, where any horse can rise to the occasion.
