Bob Baffert has been experiencing significant success this season. What’s the reason for that? He is resolute in his comeback to Churchill Downs after serving his suspension. Do you recall his words? “I accept responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive test in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. I am responsible for any substance found in the horses that I train, and I have paid a very steep price with a three-year suspension and the disqualification of Medina Spirit’s performance,” Baffert said.
The 72-year-old continued, stating, “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.” Baffert has long been a fixture in the sport, having trained six Kentucky Derby winners throughout his career. He is aware of the measures that were implemented against him after the disqualification of Medina Spirit.
Nonetheless, he intends to make a powerful comeback. In addition to the Road to Kentucky Derby, he has a number of horses delivering impressive outcomes. Recently, as noted by Daily Racing Form reporter Brad Free on X, “Cavalieri = 101 Beyer win G1 Beholder Mile on Sat at SA, four-for-four filly better each start. Bob Baffert trains Cavalieri + runner-up Richi.”
The B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile was set to take place on March 8, 2025, at Santa Anita Park. The race featured a purse of $300,000 and was designated as Race 8 on the day’s schedule, with a post time of 3:30 PM PT. So, what was the outcome? It turns out, it was quite the delight for Bob Baffert. The trainer’s two horses, Cavalieri and Richi, secured the top two positions in the Grade 1 race. Their statistics?
Richi boasts a wealth of experience on the racetrack, whereas the narrative surrounding Cavalieri unfolds in a markedly different manner. The five-year-old filly has now completed her fourth race in her career, maintaining an impressive record of victories thus far. Certainly, Cavalieri, trained by Bob Baffert, boasts an impressive 100% win rate. Her previous victory before the current Grade 1 race was secured at the La Canada Stakes, a Grade 3 event.
Cavalieri = 101 Beyer win G1 Beholder Mile on Sat at SA, four-for-four filly better each start. Bob Baffert trains Cavalieri + runner-up Richi. Also Sat, Air Force Red = 94 Beyer back-in-seven-days G3 San Simeon on hill; Eagles Flight = 100 N1X route. (Cavalieri, Benoit Photo) pic.twitter.com/QQATPIaWFJ
— Brad Free (@BradFree1) March 9, 2025
This marks a significant leap in the filly’s career, suggesting she may have a bright future ahead in the world of horse racing. However, how many horses does Baffert have on the Road to the Kentucky Derby?
Bob Baffert’s equines for the Kentucky Derby
Bob Baffert boasts an impressive lineup as he prepares for the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Certainly, he is resolute in his quest for a comeback, and at the forefront of his efforts is Citizen Bull, a horse with the potential to lead the charge. The three-year-old colt currently holds third place in the standings, and his statistics? He has accumulated 60 points through his performances in the American Pharoah Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and Robert B. Lewis Stakes.
Throughout his career, Citizen Bull has experienced only one defeat, which occurred in 2024 during the Del Mar Futurity. Has Baffert made any remarks regarding his horse’s recent triumph? “The champ is back. The ‘Bull’ looked good coming down [the stretch]. 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,” remarked the 72-year-old trainer following the victory at the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. The horse has demonstrated remarkable potential, and Baffert is simply pleased to guide him toward success.
Nonetheless, Citizen Bull faces stiff competition from Coal Battle and Owen Almighty, who currently lead the standings with 70 and 65 points, respectively. Baffert, however, has additional horses such as Getaway Car, Madaket Road, Rodriguez, Barnes, Gaming, and Mellencamp. The lineup appears promising for the American horse racing trainer, and only time will reveal what he can accomplish with his equines.
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