The 2025 Kentucky Derby field experienced a significant shakeup on Thursday when a key contender had to withdraw, thereby allowing another major contender to take their place. Rodriguez, trained by the notable six-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert, had to exit the race due to a minor foot bruise. This horse recently triumphed at the Wood Memorial on April 5, and was listed as one of the top four choices for the Derby at 12-1 odds.

With Rodriguez’s exit, another contender, the Santa Anita Derby runner-up Baeza, was granted entry. Purchased for $1.2 million two years ago, Baeza was anxiously waiting for a spot in the race, needing one horse to withdraw before the Friday 9 a.m. ET deadline. Following the announcement, CRK Stables tweeted: “As we’ve said all week, this isn’t the ideal way to get into the Derby and our thoughts are with the Rodriguez team, but we’re here and ready to give it our best shot. Kentucky Derby here we come!”

Now that Baeza is in the running, he is considered one of the favorites, with the same morning odds of 12-1 as Rodriguez. Having recently finished a close second in the Santa Anita Derby, less than a length behind the favorite Journalism, Baeza boasts a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 101, second to Journalism’s 108.

Baffert, who hasn’t participated in the Derby for three years due to a suspension imposed after the Medina Spirit incident, still has another horse named Citizen Bull, positioned at 20-1 odds, competing in the field.

Baffert stated on Thursday that Rodriguez’s foot issue is only minor, and they plan to target the Preakness Stakes on May 17 for his return.

“You have to be perfect,” Baffert remarked about the decision to withdraw Rodriguez. “If you’re going to win the Derby, you need to be 100% perfect. We’ll just focus on the Preakness with him.”