Rodriguez, a 2-year-old standout, had been turning heads with his stellar performances, especially his victory at the Grade 2 Wood Memorial in April. And those looking forward to trainer Bob Baffert‘s return to the Kentucky Derby had high hopes for the colt as well. But on Thursday, those hopes were quashed.
A small foot bruise changed everything. Co-owner Tom Ryan broke the news on X, writing, “Out of an abundance of caution, 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.” Fans echoed the sentiment, with one posting on X, “So sorry to hear!!!! I was planning on betting him big too!!! But at least you guys are doing what is best for the horse.” The disappointment was palpable.
Baffert’s team isn’t out of the game, though. Stepping into Rodriguez’s spot is Baeza, a half-brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage. Baeza showed grit in the Santa Anita Derby, hanging tough with Journalism—the race’s favorite—before fading late.
So sorry to hear!!!! I was planning on betting him big too!!! But at least you guys are doing what is best for the horse.
— Garrett Rungo (@GarrettRungo) May 1, 2025
The story is developing…
The post “So Sorry”: Kentucky Derby Community Saddened by Bob Baffert’s Horse Rodriguez’s Latest News appeared first on EssentiallySports.
