Racing veteran Baffert makes his Derby comeback; Journalism maintains frontrunner status in the field of news reporting
In the fast-paced world of horse racing, the 72-year-old, love-him-or-hate-him figure, Bob Baffert, is back in the limelight for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. Known for saddling champions like American Pharoah and Justify, who conquered the coveted Triple Crown, this seasoned trainer has faced a fair share of controversies.
In 2021, Baffert's Kentucky Derby triumph with Medina Spirit was overturned after the horse tested positive for a prohibited substance, seemingly marking the end of his winning streak. In response, Churchill Downs slapped him with a two-year ban, accusing him of peddling false narratives regarding the drug test results[1][3]. Unfortunately, Medina Spirit passed away later that year, adding another layer of controversy to the situation.
Fast forward to 2024, Baffert managed to wriggle his way out of the ban, releasing a statement admitting responsibility for the violation and pledging to uphold rules in the future[1]. With his reinstatement came the opportunity to participate in this year's Derby with two longshots, Citizen Bull and Rodriguez.
Citizen Bull, who was the top 2-year-old in 2023, hasn't been shining lately, finishing fourth in the Santa Anita Derby and drawing the unfavorable first post position for the Derby. Baffert, ever the joker, quipped, "Well, we got the one (gate) out of the way"[2]. Rodriguez, on the other hand, starts from the fourth post, a position Baffert was glad not to get[2].
Baffert's contender, Journalism, has been on a four-race winning streak, most recently clinching the Grade One Santa Anita Derby[2]. The colt will break from the eighth post under jockey Umberto Rispoli, and is a strong favorite at 3-1[2].
Meanwhile, two Japanese raiders aim to bring their country its first Kentucky Derby victory. Admire Daytona, trained by Yukihiro Kato, and Luxor Cafe, a Kentucky-bred son of American Pharoah, are the hopeful representatives from the Land of the Rising Sun[2].
As Churchill Downs throws open its gates once again, it remains to be seen if Baffert can reclaim his crown in the event that defines American racing[1]. From comeback kids to longshot contenders, the anticipation for the 2025 Kentucky Derby is palpable. Here's to a thrilling race, full of hooves pounding on the track, jockeys vying for victory, and, for Baffert, a chance to prove that he's still got it.
References:- [1] AP News. (2024, March 22). Bob Baffert reinstated after drug violations, to train in Kentucky Derby. Associated Press.- [2] NBC Sports. (2025, April 29). 2025 Kentucky Derby post positions, odds, picks, and analysis for Saturday's race.- [3] ESPN. (2021, June 15). Bob Baffert suspended by Churchill Downs for drug positives.- [4] CBS News. (2021, September 17). Medina Spirit horse dies days after test results show drug violation.
Bob Baffert, reinstated following a two-year ban, will participate in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, a race that defines sports racing and horse-racing in America. In the Derby, he will field Journalism, a four-race winning streak horse, and two longshot contenders, Citizen Bull and Rodriguez.
Despite Citizen Bull's recent below-par performances, Baffert remains optimistic, with the top 2-year-old in 2023 looking to repeat his form in the Derby. Rodriguez, on the other hand, starts from a more favorable position compared to Citizen Bull.
Meanwhile, Baffert's contender, Journalism, is the strong favorite at 3-1, set to break from the eighth post under jockey Umberto Rispoli. A victory in the Derby for Baffert could mark his comeback in the event after his past drug violation controversies.
