Citizen Bull becomes Into Mischief’s 22nd G1 winner, eyes Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
October 5, 2024
Citizen Bull stamped his ticket to the Breeders’ Cup with a front-running victory in Saturday’s $300,000 American Pharoah S. (G1) at Santa Anita Park.
The 2-year-old Into Mischief colt is the 22nd lifetime Grade 1 winner for his sire, as well as being the second of the day, following Gina Romantica’s victory in the First Lady S. (G1) at Keeneland.
Citizen Bull, a debut winner Aug. 17 at Del Mar, followed that up with a third in the Del Mar Debutante (G1). Sent off the second choice Saturday behind stablemate Getaway Car, Citizen Bull got the jump on the field and led through fractions of :23.85 and :47.78, leading by one length. Getaway Car made a run at the leader around the final turn, but Citizen Bull repelled the challenge, winning by two lengths in 1:44.30 on a fast main track.
“At Del Mar, [Citizen Bull] really needed that race. Mike [Smith] rode him and the colt was heavy, and he’s still heavy,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “This track is very demanding. It is very deep and slow. You could tell he was getting tired at the end, so I think he will get so much out of this race. He is a good doer, he’s a good strong colt. He’s bred really well.”
Citizen Bull’s ownership group consists of SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC, and Catherine Donovan. The bay colt has earned $261,000 with two wins in three starts.
Bred by Robert and Lawana Low, Citizen Bull sold for $675,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling sale.