Who Is Kentucky Derby Horse Rodriguez?
Rodriguez, a dark bay colt foaled in 2022, has emerged as a serious contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Bred in Kentucky by Kingswood Farm and David Egan, Rodriguez is the son of 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic and the Cherokee Run mare Cayala. His pedigree blends elite speed with stamina, positioning him well for the 1 1/4-mile classic at Churchill Downs. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and veteran jockey Mike Smith, Rodriguez has made significant progress, particularly with his front-running style.
Who Owns Rodriguez?
Rodriguez is owned by a high-profile partnership consisting of SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC, and Donovan, Catherine. This deep ownership group has had notable success with previous Derby and Triple Crown contenders.
Who Is the Trainer of Rodriguez?
Rodriguez’s early training is a powerhouse mix of elite genetics and expert guidance. Bought for a cool $875,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, he landed in the hands of the legendary Bob Baffert—one of the best in the business at transforming young horses into racing dynamos. Rodriguez made his debut as a 2-year-old at Del Mar on November 23, 2024, charging to a strong second place in a loaded maiden race. Not long after, he claimed his first victory at Santa Anita on January 4, 2025, showing he was ready to compete at the top. His second-place finish in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, earning him 10 Kentucky Derby points, is just the latest sign that Baffert’s meticulous training is shaping Rodriguez into a serious contender.
Known for training Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify, Baffert brings decades of experience and a sharp tactical mind to Derby preparations. He’s managed Rodriguez’s development patiently, guiding the colt through a carefully curated schedule of prep races.
Who Is Rodriguez’s Jockey?
Mike Smith, a Hall of Famer with multiple Kentucky Derby victories, is the regular rider for Rodriguez. Smith’s calm demeanor and experience make him a perfect fit for a horse like Rodriguez, who tends to get uptight pre-race. As Smith noted after the Wood Memorial win, “If you get him to breathe, he’s gonna run.”
Mike Smith’s career is a victory lap in itself, with wins in multiple Kentucky Derbies, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, plus a stack of Breeders’ Cup trophies to his name. He’s the kind of jockey every owner wants in their corner, calm under pressure and always getting the best out of his mount. So, for Rodriguez, Smith’s steady hand and sharp focus have been a game-changer. The Hall of Famer’s experience has been crucial in turning this young colt into a bona fide contender, proving once again that when Smith’s in the saddle, greatness follows.
What Are Rodriguez’s Career Earnings?
As of April 2025, Rodriguez has earned $522,800 in career earnings. His race record stands at 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third. His most lucrative performance came in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial, where he secured 100 Derby points.
When and Where Is Rodriguez’s Next Race?
Rodriguez is slated to run in the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs. His commanding wire-to-wire win in the Wood Memorial earned him a berth in the Derby gate.
What Are Rodriguez’s Racing Stats and Past Performances?
Rodriguez has made a steady climb to Derby contention. His journey on the racetrack has been nothing short of exciting. After starting strong with a second-place finish at Del Mar on November 23, 2024, he quickly found his stride with a win at Santa Anita on January 4, 2025. His performance in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes on February 1, 2025, where he earned a well-deserved second place, set the stage for a solid third-place finish in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. On April 5, 2025, he capped off his early success with a stunning victory in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial, firmly establishing himself as one to watch.
Rodriguez enters the Derby with a versatile profile, having competed at various distances and against top-tier company.
What Is Rodriguez’s Pedigree and Bloodline?
Rodriguez boasts a pedigree that’s built for brilliance—a perfect blend of elite speed and staying power. He’s sired by Authentic, the blazing-fast Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, whose own sire is the powerhouse Into Mischief. On the dam’s side, Rodriguez gets his grit from Cayala, a daughter of Cherokee Run, known for passing on both heart and hustle, and granddaughter of the tough-as-nails Touch Gold. With bloodlines like these, Rodriguez doesn’t just run—he charges with purpose.
Chasethegold, the dam’s dam, was a stakes winner herself, adding depth to the maternal line. This well-rounded pedigree gives Rodriguez the tools to handle the distance and competition of the Kentucky Derby.
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