Just 48 hours ahead of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, one of the leading contenders suffered a withdrawal. Rodriguez, originally opened at 12-1 odds and saw them shorten to 6-1 as race day approached, was scratched due to a bruised foot, announced by trainer Bob Baffert on the evening before the race. Baeza will take Rodriguez’s place in the lineup.

Trainer Bob Baffert has scratched Rodriguez from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
With the defection of Rodriguez, Baeza has drawn into the field. Source — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 1, 2025

Rodriguez was seen as Baffert’s top horse, having secured victory at the Wood Memorial earlier in the year. Baffert expressed concerns about the foot injury not healing sufficiently by the race, indicating he is aiming for Rodriguez’s return in the upcoming Preakness Stakes.

This scratch impacts the lineup, moving every horse from post 5 to 20 positions down by one. Baeza will now run from the 20 position as the 21st horse in the field. Another contender from Baffert’s retraining is Citizen Bull, who initially opened at 20-1 odds but is currently at 16-1 according to the live odds.

What horse will succeed in the 2025 Kentucky Derby and which underdog should you consider? Visit SportsLine for expert picks.