Citizen Bull Returns with a Champion’s Performance in the Shared Belief

The 2024 two-year-old champion returned to his preferred distance and scored by 5½ lengths at Del Mar, sending a clear message that he is targeting the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

Citizen Bull displayed his best form at Del Mar / BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).- The 2024 two-year-old champion reaffirmed his status in commanding fashion Sunday at Del Mar, capturing the 51st running of the Shared Belief Stakes (L) over one mile on dirt for a $125,000 purse. Representing SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables and partners, Citizen Bull left no doubt he remains the standout of his generation.

Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Juan Hernández, the colt broke sharply, assumed the lead without challenge, and cruised through the race, crossing the wire 5½ lengths clear in 1:35.12 without ever being asked for full effort.

“He’s a very good horse,” Hernández said, marking his eighth stakes win of the meeting and third consecutive victory in this event. “He broke well, gave me speed through three-quarters, and after that it was easy. Once he regains his strength, I think he can run anywhere.”

Baffert, who notched his 13th Shared Belief victory and now boasts 183 stakes wins at Del Mar, was equally pleased. “We returned him to a distance he loves. The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile is probably our target,” he said. “We were bringing him back slowly after a difficult stretch. I told Juan: ‘Go with teeth in their mouth.’ He delivered. Today we saw the champion Citizen Bull.”

Originally drawn for five, the field was reduced to three after late scratches, leaving a straightforward running. Smooth Cruisein (Girvin) finished second, nine lengths back, while El G1 Gaming (Game Winner) was never a factor in third.

With the win, Citizen Bull improved his record to 9-5-0-0 and earnings of $1,556,100, including last year’s standout triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar. Returning $2.80 on a $2 wager, he posted splits of :22.39, :45.88, 1:09.96, and 1:22.22, showcasing his enduring natural speed.

Though Baffert has not officially confirmed, all indications point toward the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Del Mar, where Citizen Bull could face top international rivals. Back in peak form and at his preferred distance, the team is aiming for a season finale befitting a true champion.