Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby | Santa Anita | Race 10 | April 5


#1 - Journalism (6/5), trained by Michael McCarthy & ridden by Umberto Rispoli


This three-year-old colt by Curlin has never finished out of the money in four starts, winning three consecutive races and earning $338,880. On March 1, at Santa Anita, Journalism won the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, achieving a 110 Equibase Speed Figure, the highest among active 3-year-olds this year and the best last race figure in this field. He won the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity by 3.5 lengths, defeating Getaway Car and Gaming two starts ago. Journalism has been working steadily and owns this field's fastest middle and late-pace speed ratings. His improving speed figures in four straight races to begin his career are also impressive. The One to Beat!


#2 - Citizen Bull (9/5), trained by Bob Baffert & ridden by Martin Garcia


Citizen Bull is an impressive champion 2-year-old male who has made quite a name for himself in 2024. He's already a standout with two Grade 1 race wins under his belt and earnings exceeding $1.3 million. His journey began in February when he won the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, increasing his earnings to an impressive $1,421,000—far exceeding any other horse in the field. On March 29, a bullet workout at five furlongs was clocked at 58.40 seconds, indicating excellent form. This is to be expected, as Baffert usually trains his horses faster. This three-year-old colt by Into Mischief has won both of his races at this track and has shown improved speed figures in his first four starts. Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Martin Garcia have a successful partnership, winning 36% of the time and finishing in the money 71% when they work together. Win Contender.


#3 - Westwood (20/1), trained by John Shirreffs & ridden by Tiago Pereira


Westwood has yet to break his maiden, but he has the pedigree to be a solid racehorse. He is sired by Authentic, out of Cayala (by Cherokee Run). Authentic is a winner of both the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic, which suggests that Westwood has good stamina potential. He was purchased for $700,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, so CRK Stable is taking a chance in this small field, which makes perfect sense. Westwood will likely be part of the early pace, as he possesses the fastest early pace speed figure in the field. I wouldn't be surprised if Westwood outperformed his odds.


#4 - Barnes (3/1), trained by Bob Baffert & ridden by Juan Hernandez


Barnes was the runner-up to Journalism in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on January 4 and won the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs earlier this year. Throughout his three career starts, he has never finished worse than second, earning $249,000, and loves racing at Santa Anita. Jockey Juan Hernandez boasts the highest win percentage at 41% and has placed in the top three 70% of the time in all dirt routes. Barnes was purchased for $3.2 million by Zedan Racing Stable, making him one of the most highly regarded colts in the country right now. He has the second-fastest late-pace speed figure in this field and has been the post-time favorite in all three career starts. Second consecutive start going long with improving speed and class figures. I love this horse!


#5 - Baeza (6/1), trained by John Shirreffs & ridden by Hector Berrios


He impressively broke his maiden at Santa Anita on February 14, winning by 4 3/4 lengths and earning a career-high 104 Equibase Speed Figure. In his first career start last December, he finished a distant 9th on turf. Since switching to dirt, he has won once and finished second. However, he was seven lengths behind Rodriguez in a maiden race on January 1 at Santa Anita. On Saturday, Rodriguez will be the first or second betting choice in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial. Baeza is by McKinzie out of a sibling to Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch. Purchased for $1.2 million as a yearling, signaling high expectations. Lightly raced but talented, stepping up sharply in class. It would not shock me to see this horse run well.


Jeff’s Selection


#4 Barnes (3/1) Win & Place


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