Bob Baffert has trained six Kentucky Derby winners, won the Breeders’ Cup Classic four times, won four Dubai World Cups, and sent out winners at 39 racetracks, if not more. But Baffert has never won a race at Colonial Downs. He’s had but one chance, when Senor Swinger finished fourth as the 1-5 favorite under Pat Day in the 2003 Virginia Derby.

While trainer Rick Dutrow is happy to have two months between starts for his blossoming 3-year-old Captain Cook, the horse apparently seems ready to get back to action sooner than later.

Captain Cook on Tuesday worked a half-mile in 50.09 seconds over the Belmont Park training track, his fourth workout since he won the Withers Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths on Feb. 1.

Rapture

Colt by Uncle Mo – Positively Royal, by Bernardini

Bred in Kentucky by Bill Mathis and Terry Mathis, MST LLC, and Rochelle Bloodstock ($300,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by China Horse Club, Maverick Racing, and Siena Farm).

Rain this week at Santa Anita is a minor glitch for Journalism, favorite for the Kentucky Derby after a 108 Beyer Speed Figure victory March 1 in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. But weather and track closure could cause trainer Michael McCarthy to adjust Journalism’s work schedule. Journalism was tentatively scheduled to work this weekend. A day or two later would make little difference.

What’s behind the name Citizen Bull? The 2024 champion 2-year-old male ranks among the leading Kentucky Derby prospects for an ownership group that includes SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, and Stonestreet Stables.

But how did the colt get his cool, catchy name? Creative thinking by SF racing manager Tom Ryan.

“I was looking at luxury watches, Citizen Bullhead watches,” Ryan said. “I didn’t like the name Citizen Bullhead” – for a horse – “and I didn’t like the name Bullhead” for a horse.

WHO’S HOT

The plan for Owen Almighty to target the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile on May 3 at Churchill Downs still makes sense, but that plan may have changed after his slow-pace front-running win March 8 in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby. Despite trainer Brian Lynch’s reservations about Owen Almighty getting 1 1/4 miles, the colt’s owners are keen for the Kentucky Derby. Owen Almighty, whose 65 qualifying points ensures a Derby berth, is new to Derby Watch. Daily Racing Form linemaker David Aragona opens him at 40-1.

Brad Cox won a Kentucky Derby the first time he ran a horse in the race.

Granted, Mandaloun’s Derby victory in 2021 did not prove especially satisfying.

Despite Virginia’s long equestrian history, parimutuel racing in the state has a relatively short footprint. That hasn’t stopped many prominent breeders from putting down roots in Virginia and supporting the growth of its Thoroughbred industry.