LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Rodriguez has been scratched from this weekend’s Kentucky Derby, leaving veteran trainer Bob Baffert with one entry in his return to Churchill Downs after serving a three-year suspension from the track.
Baffert announced the decision Thursday, just two days before the 151st edition of the “Run for the Roses,” which has a post time of 6:57 p.m. Saturday.
Tom Ryan of Starlight Racing, one of the colt’s multiple owners, wrote in a social media post: “Out of an abundance of caution, we have made a very tough decision to scratch our Derby horse, Rodriguez. He has a small but slightly sensitive foot bruise that will need a few more days.”
Ryan said the colt will be pointed toward the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown series, on May 17.
With the defection of Rodriguez, the field of 20 3-year-olds will now include Baeza, who is trained by John Shirreffs. The colt has been on the grounds since last week in case a spot opened up.