Citizen Bull, Journalism clash in Santa Anita Derby; Tenma tops Santa Anita Oaks

Apr 01, 2025 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Journalism outfinishes Barnes in the San Felipe (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

A tantalizing, pre-Kentucky Derby (G1) clash between Citizen Bull and Journalism is on tap Saturday in the $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) over 1 1/8 miles.

Last year's juvenile colt champion, Citizen Bull, rides into the Santa Anita Derby on a three-race win streak for trainer Bob Baffert. He's been untouched on the front end during the skein, most recently in the Feb. 1 Robert B. Lewis (G3) when he quickly recovered from a bobbling start to win by 3 3/4 lengths over stablemate Rodriguez.

Journalism, however, is the 'now' horse after producing a terrific late punch to win the March 1 San Felipe (G2) by 1 3/4 lengths over the Baffert-trained Barnes. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism earned a 104 Brisnet Speed rating and was favored in last month's Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Barnes, who had been favored in earlier Future Wager pools, was easily second best in the San Felipe, but has lost some luster in the interim. The $3.2 million son of Into Mischief had previously captured the seven-furlong San Vicente (G2) by more than five lengths.

Trainer John Shirreffs saddles recent winner Baeza, a half-brother to Kentucky Derby winner Mage and last year's Belmont (G1) winner Dornoch. Shirreffs has also entered the maiden Westwood, who, on paper, is unlikely to seriously contend.

Due to the Santa Anita Derby field attracting fewer than six entries, the amount of Kentucky Derby qualifying points on offer has been reduced. The points available to the respective top three finishers are 75, 37.5, and 18.75. The fourth- and fifth-place finishers will receive 11.25 and 7.5 points, respectively.

Earlier in the card, the Baffert-trained three-year-old filly Tenma will be strongly favored to add the $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks (G2) to recent wins in the Starlet (G2) and Las Virgenes (G3). Her rivals include Vodka With a Twist, Silent Law, and Look Forward. Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifying points of 100-50-25-15-10 are available in the 1 1/16-mile Santa Anita Oaks.

The Santa Anita Oaks post time is 4:30 p.m. ET, with the Santa Anita Derby at 7:30 p.m. Both races can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com.