Bob Baffert’s Kentucky Derby Return Hits Snag as Rodriguez Scratched From Race

The 151st Kentucky Derby lineup just got a shakeup, dropping to 19 horses after two contenders were scratched ahead of Saturday’s race. Among them: Rodriguez, the Wood Memorial winner, trained by the ever-controversial Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.

Rodriguez’s owners, including Tom Ryan of Starlight Racing, announced Thursday that the colt is sidelined with a bruised foot. They confirmed Rodriguez will skip the Derby and now aim for the Preakness Stakes on May 17. When it comes to the Derby, sometimes a little bruise can bench even the biggest names—these horses are like pro athletes with better hair.

Baffert’s return to Churchill Downs is a headline all on its own. This marks his first Derby since Medina Spirit's 2021 win was stripped after a positive drug test, which earned Baffert a three-year suspension. About the infamous incident, Baffert calls it "an honest mistake," explaining on Friday morning that the medication came from an ointment for a nasty skin rash. He insists Medina Spirit "earned that win," despite the ensuing legal drama and public scrutiny.

But Baffert isn’t out of the race yet. He’s got another contender, Citizen Bull, who landed the dreaded No. 1 post—a notoriously tough spot to start from in a crowded field. Meanwhile, Baeza has entered the fray in Rodriguez's place, but the roster shrank again after Grande was scratched Friday with a cracked heel.

So, Derby fans, expect some last-minute drama as the field adjusts. With Baffert chasing a record-breaking seventh Derby victory, all eyes will be on Citizen Bull to see if lightning can strike from the rail.