What happened to Rodriguez? Why Bob Baffert-trained horse was scratched from 2025 Kentucky Derby

Bob Baffert's return to the Kentucky Derby took a bit of a hit on Thursday. One of the famed trainer's most notable horses, Rodriguez, was ruled out of Saturday's contest.

The thoroughbred, which posted impressive results in a handful of races, namely the Grade 2 Wood Memorial, was tipped for a strong showing at the Run for the Roses. However, an untimely injury spurned Baffert and Co., who will be forced to readjust after losing out on one of its standout candidates for horse racing's greatest title.

Here's what you need to know.

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What happened to Rodriguez?

Baffert's humble steed will stay in the stable for Saturday's race, co-owner Tom Ryan announced on X on Thursday afternoon.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have made a very tough decision to scratch our Derby horse, Rodriguez,” Ryan wrote on X. "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.”

Rodriguez impressed in the lead-up to the Run for the Roses, capturing the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 5. Although he was listed as a 12-1 underdog, the 2-year-old foal was expected to make a splash at Churchill Downs prior to his ailment.

What horse is replacing Rodriguez?

Rodriguez will be replaced by Baeza, a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and the runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby.

Baeza performed admirably in his face-off with Journalism — the presumptive favorite in Saturday's race — during the Derby, holding tight with the colt before falling behind as the race wore on.

"We’re really happy that Baeza got into the Kentucky Derby,” trainer John Shirreffs said, per Daily Racing Form.

Does Bob Baffert still have a horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby?

Rodriguez's injury takes away one of Baffert's Kentucky Derby entrants. Fortunately for him, he has another: 3-year-old Citizen Bull.

Much like Rodriguez, Citizen Bull figures to be a frontrunner in Saturday's competition.

The defending 2-year-old male champion, Citizen Bull has proved himself to be a force across dirt in recent months. He recorded a fourth-place finish at the Santa Anita Derby, a disappointing result given his first-place display at the Robert B. Lewis Stakes in February.

Ridden by four-time Kentucky Derby jockey Martin Garcia, Citizen Bull has a chance to carry on the Baffert tradition of winning horses at the Derby.