The Kentucky Derby is returning to its traditional format with Derby 151, moving past previous controversies including trainer absences and horse fatalities. The race may highlight a resurgence of Southern California as a prime location for training Derby winners, especially with Bob Baffert's return as a leading trainer. His contenders include the 2-year-old champion Citizen Bull and Rodriguez, making for a competitive field. Questions remain about the strength of the horses coming from international tracks, but excitement is building ahead of the race.
Saturday's race could signal a resurgence of Southern California's status as the training ground of Derby champions, the last coming in the screwed-up COVID-plagued year of 2020 when Authentic won the race in September.
Of course. Baffert's program is built around developing 2-year-olds into 3-year-olds who can win one (or more) of the Triple Crown races.
This year Baffert is bringing 2-year-old Eclipse champion Citizen Bull (20-1), winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Citizen Bull was an early favorite for the Derby.
This year's favorite is based at Santa Anita. The field is considered very competitive, although maybe not very strong at the top.
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