Racehorse trainer Bob Baffert makes his return to the Kentucky Derby; Journalism, once again, dominates as the favorite to win the prestigious award for news coverage.
A Fresh Take on the Return of a Controversial Derby Legend
Let's delve into the anticipated 151st Run for the Roses, where an iconic figure, 72-year-old Bob Baffert, makes his return to the Kentucky Derby spotlight for the first time since 2021— a year filled with controversy over his disqualified victory with Medina Spirit.
Baffert, with a storied career featuring past Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify, faces a unique challenge on his road to a seventh Kentucky Derby victory. This comeback, however, is not without its hurdles, as he attempts to regain his royal standing in the world of horse racing.
In 2021, Baffert found himself suspended by Churchill Downs for two grueling years following Medina Spirit's post-race drug test failure[2]. Fast forward to 2023, and the legendary trainer finds himself back in the game, albeit with a revised penalty extending his punishment and accusing him of persistently perpetuating false narratives surrounding Medina Spirit's drug test[1].
Despite the controversies, Baffert remains optimistic, viewing the Kentucky Derby as the pinnacle of American racing and stating that it "defines your career."
But, will the master of the Triple Crown witness a potential seventh win this year? It seems tricky, as the top contender, Rodriguez, was scratched due to a foot bruise[1]. This leaves only Citizen Bull in the race— a colt whose Derby prospects took a knock with a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby[1].
As Baffert prepares for the race amidst the cloud of controversy, most eyes will be on a different contender— the undefeated Journalism. The colt boasts a four-race winning streak, punctuated by three graded stakes wins and a thrilling victory in the Grade One Santa Anita Derby, where he outpaced Baeza by three-quarters of a length[1].
Despite being a newcomer on the Derby stage, Journalism is confident and shows potential. "Journalism is a pretty intelligent horse," says trainer John W. Sadler[1]. "He is a mature, well-broke, well-schooled horse, and he doesn't seem to let things upset him much, which will all work in his favor come Saturday."[1]
However, Journalism will face stiff competition from the likes of Bill Mott-trained Sovereignty and Arkansas Derby-winner Sandman, both of whom landed outside posts and offer an intimidating challenge.[1]
Finally, two Japanese raiders are set to make their mark in the Kentucky Derby, aiming to grant their nation its first win. Admire Daytona, fresh off a UAE Derby triumph, and Luxor Cafe, a Kentucky-bred descendant of American Pharoah, are poised to make history[1].
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on Saturday, as the world's finest three-year-old horses convene in the quest for the coveted title of Kentucky Derby champion.
© 2025 AFP
[1] Churchill Downs official website, 2023.[2] Legal documents and court filings, 2021-2024.
In the anticipated 2025 Kentucky Derby, renowned horse trainer Bob Baffert aims to regain his crown, after being suspended for two years following Medina Spirit's drugs test failure in 2021. Despite these past controversies, Baffert brings a storied career that includes Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify, as he eyes his seventh victory.
Journalism, an undefeated colt with a four-race winning streak, including the Grade One Santa Anita Derby, will be a tough competitor in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, as his trainer claims he is "a mature, well-broke, well-schooled horse."
Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, and Arkansas Derby-winner Sandman, who landed outside posts, pose a threat to Journalism's chances, presenting an intimidating challenge in the race.
Two Japanese raiders, Admire Daytona and Luxor Cafe, aim to make history by securing their nation's first Kentucky Derby win in 2025. The drama continues to unfold as the world's finest three-year-old horses gather in the quest for the coveted title.
