LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The excitement surrounding the Kentucky Derby took a hit on Thursday as trainer Bob Baffert announced that Rodriguez, his top contender for the prestigious race, has been scratched due to a sensitive foot bruise. This development leaves Baffert with only one entry in the race, as he seeks to make a triumphant return to Churchill Downs following a three-year suspension.
Rodriguez, who won the Wood Memorial and was considered a strong contender for the Derby, was initially set to be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. The decision to scratch him was made out of an abundance of caution, as co-owner Tom Ryan explained, "We have made a very tough decision to scratch our Derby horse, Rodriguez. He has a small but slightly sensitive foot bruise that will need a few more days. Therefore, we are resetting our plans and will target him for the Preakness." The Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course.
Rodriguez had been gaining momentum in the betting market, moving from 12-1 on the morning line to 8-1, making him the third betting choice behind race favorite Journalism and Arkansas Derby winner Sandman. Baffert, who is tied for the all-time record with six Kentucky Derby victories, had high hopes for Rodriguez, describing his final workout leading up to the Derby as "amazing." He stated, "Right over there, on our shedrow rail, that’s where the roses are going to hang." However, this dream has been put on hold.
With Rodriguez out of the running, Baffert will now saddle Citizen Bull, the reigning 2-year-old champion, who will break from the challenging No. 1 post position. Citizen Bull is currently a 20-1 shot on the morning line, having finished fourth in the Santa Anita Derby, nearly 10 lengths behind Journalism in his most recent outing. Baffert is looking to secure his record-breaking seventh Derby win with Citizen Bull, who has shown promise despite the unfavorable draw.
As for Rodriguez's defection, it opens the door for Baeza, who will complete the 20-horse field for the Derby. Trained by John Shirreffs, Baeza has been waiting patiently at Churchill Downs for his chance to compete. He finished as the runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby last month and is considered a strong contender, although he will be starting from the farthest outside position, which is the 20th gate.
Shirreffs remains optimistic about Baeza's chances, stating, "I think 20 is an OK post for Baeza being a horse that hasn’t had a lot of races. Certainly we won’t be in the gate very long, so that’s a big plus, and he won’t get caught up in a lot of traffic right out of the gate. There are a lot of benefits from being out there." Despite having only four career starts, Baeza has proven competitive, finishing within a length of Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby.
For Baffert, this year’s Derby marks a significant moment as it is his first since serving a suspension due to a medication violation involving Medina Spirit, the 2021 race winner. Baffert’s return has been highly anticipated, and while he still has Citizen Bull in the race, the absence of Rodriguez is a blow to his hopes of adding another Derby victory to his record.
The Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and the stakes are high as the remaining contenders prepare for one of horse racing’s most prestigious events. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see how the field shapes up in the absence of Rodriguez and how Citizen Bull performs from the No. 1 post.
As the countdown to the Derby continues, the excitement and anticipation remain palpable, with the remaining horses ready to battle it out for the coveted title. Will Baffert’s Citizen Bull rise to the occasion, or will another contender seize the moment? The race is on, and the drama is just beginning.
