On Thursday, the connections of Kentucky Derby contender Rodriguez announced that he will scratch from the prestigious race due to a foot bruise. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have made a very tough decision to scratch our Derby horse,

The Kentucky Derby picture changed significantly Thursday as Rodriguez withdrew, allowing Santa Anita Derby runner-up Baeza into the field;

Rodriguez was considered the biggest contender of Baffert's two horses as the winner of the Wood Memorial earlier in the year, but Baffert wasn't comfortable with the bruised foot being healed enough by Saturday. Baffert told The Athletic he was targeting the Preakness Stakes in two weeks for Rodriguez's return to the track.