Rodriguez out, Baeza gets in Kentucky Derby

Wood Memorial (G2) winner Rodriguez was withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby (G1) late Thursday afternoon, and as a result, the lone also-eligible, Baeza, has drawn into the maximum 20-horse field. Baeza, a half-brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage, will attract the support of history buffs. 

Rodriguez was expected to be part of a lively pace scrum, but the Bob Baffert pupil is battling an ill-timed foot bruise. His connections preferred to give him time to get over this hiccup and look toward the Preakness (G1) instead. 

Baffert still has Citizen Bull, last year's champion two-year-old colt, in his bid to win a record seventh Kentucky Derby. Drawn on the rail and keeping the blinkers on, he figures to blast to the early lead. He represents the same ownership consortium as Rodriguez.

Baeza had been on the bubble since his runner-up effort to favorite Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in his stakes debut. The John Shirreffs pupil earned fewer points than the norm (37.5) for a final major prep, a reduction triggered by the small field.

If Baeza can capitalize on the opportunity, he would make history for his dam, Puca, who would become the first mare to produce two Kentucky Derby winners. She is also responsible for last year's Belmont (G1) hero Dornoch, a full brother to Mage. 

Jockey Flavien Prat was sticking with Baeza if he drew into the race. Prat was also named on Neoequos, who will now reportedly pick up Luis Saez according to Daily Racing Form.