The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is set to showcase the next generation of racing talent, and one name that’s been creating a buzz is Citizen Bull. This young contender has already made waves with impressive performances on the track, capturing the attention of racing fans and bettors alike.
Trained by a respected team and boasting a pedigree of champions, Citizen Bull enters the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with high expectations. If you’re looking to spot a rising star in this year’s race, it’s time to get to know Citizen Bull—a horse that could soon become a household name in racing.
A Rising Star in the Racing World
Citizen Bull debuted in August 2023 with a victory in his maiden race at Del Mar. Trained by the iconic Bob Baffert and owned by an elite group of stables, including SF Racing and Starlight Racing, this colt showed promise right from the beginning.
While he placed third in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) in September, his team remained confident in his potential. Baffert referred to Citizen Bull as a “heavy colt who needed a start,” but the horse quickly adapted and improved.
Citizen Bull demonstrated his full capabilities in his second stakes race by defeating stablemate Getaway Car in the prestigious American Pharoah Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita.
This crucial win secured him a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and gave him significant momentum as fans began to evaluate the Breeders Cup odds 2024 for the upcoming race.
Dominating the American Pharoah Stakes
The American Pharoah Stakes marked a turning point for Citizen Bull. After a solid but not spectacular start to his career, he seized the spotlight in this 1 1/16-mile race at Santa Anita. Citizen Bull flaunted his speed with jockey Martin Garcia aboard, leading the race from start to finish.
He set a comfortable pace with fractions of 23.85 for the first quarter-mile and 47.78 for the half-mile. When the race reached the three-eighths pole, Citizen Bull started pulling away, leaving his stablemate Getaway Car trailing by two lengths.
Citizen Bull crossed the finish line in 1:44.30, cementing his victory by two lengths. This performance showcased his speed and ability to maintain control over the race from start to finish. His win also demonstrated his growth since his debut, as he easily handled the longer distance and the pressure.
Earning a Spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
Citizen Bull’s victory in the American Pharoah Stakes earned him a coveted spot in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, thanks to the “Win and You’re In” format of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
This means that his entry fee for the $2 million race, held at Del Mar on November 1, is fully paid, giving him a direct path to compete against the best two-year-olds in the world.
But that’s not all Citizen Bull gained from his American Pharoah win. The race is also part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, meaning that Citizen Bull earned 10 points toward qualifying for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).
His stablemate, Getaway Car, earned five points for finishing second, and the third-place finisher, McKinzie Street, received three points. This also puts Citizen Bull on the radar for next year’s Triple Crown races.
Impressive Pedigree and Ownership
Citizen Bull’s success is no surprise, given his impressive pedigree. He is sired by Into Mischief, a five-time leading sire in North America known for producing top-performing horses. Citizen Bull’s dam, No Joke, comes from a strong racing line herself, being a half-sister to stakes winners Moonshine Memories and Indian Evening.
Citizen Bull was a $675,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, a hefty sum that speaks to his potential. He is owned by a powerhouse group of stables, including SF Racing, Madaket Stables, and Starlight Racing, who also own his stablemate Getaway Car.
This ownership group is no stranger to success, having campaigned several high-profile horses in recent years.
Citizen Bull’s Future Prospects
As Citizen Bull prepares for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, he is on a path to solidify his reputation as one of the top two-year-olds in the sport. His dominant performance in the American Pharoah Stakes has shown that he can handle distance and pace, two critical factors for success in longer races like the Juvenile.
Citizen Bull’s potential to deliver on racing’s biggest stages is undeniable, with a proven trainer like Bob Baffert guiding his career.
Looking ahead, Citizen Bull’s connections will have their eyes on the Breeders’ Cup and the future, with the 2025 Kentucky Derby likely on their radar. His ability to compete in increasing distance and caliber races makes him a strong contender for next year’s Derby trail.
Conclusion
Citizen Bull’s path to the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile has been shaped by patience, skill, and raw talent. Under Bob Baffert’s expert guidance and backed by a strong ownership team, this colt has progressed from a promising debut at Del Mar to a standout win in the American Pharoah Stakes.
Citizen Bull is poised to make a significant impact with an automatic spot in the Breeders’ Cup and crucial Kentucky Derby points secured. Racing fans should watch closely as he prepares to shine on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
