Rodriguez, a 3-year-old standout, had been turning heads with his stellar performances, especially his victory at the Grade 2 Wood Memorial in April. Naturally, those looking forward to trainer Bob Baffert‘s return to Churchill Downs had high hopes for the colt as well. But on Thursday, those hopes were quashed.

A small foot bruise changed everything. Co-owner Tom Ryan broke the news on X, writing, “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. Therefore, we are resetting our plans and will target him for the Preakness.” Fans echoed the sentiment, with one posting on X, “So sorry to hear!!!! I was planning on betting him big too!!! But at least you guys are doing what is best for the horse.” The disappointment was palpable.

Stepping into Rodriguez’s spot is Baeza, a half-brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage. Baeza showed grit in the Santa Anita Derby, hanging tough with Journalism—the race’s favorite—before fading late.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez’s scratch leaves Citizen Bull as the only Bob Baffert trainee to participate in the first leg of the Triple Crown. Although the two-year-old won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in November, his stock has dropped since his disappointing fourth-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby. Naturally, having Bull as the only contender was a huge blow for Baffert. “It’s still sinking in,” he said, after Fort Bragg finished first at St. Matthews Overnight Stakes on Thursday. “I was really looking forward to running him in the Derby.” But considering how the Kentucky Derby is a race of fine margins, scratching the colt was an unavoidable call.

“You have to be just perfect. If you’re gonna win this thing, you got to be perfect,” added Baffert. And as the legendary trainer came to terms with the decision, so did fans, who understood the rationale behind the call.

Fans stand by Bob Baffert and Co. for the Rodriguez decision

“So sorry Tom. Was looking forward to a big run from him,” wrote one fan on X. The heartbreak was evident. Yet, it was coupled with a sense of empathy for the horse and respect for the decision made by its caretakers. “Sorry to hear this but happy you are putting Rodriguez and his long-term health at the forefront of this tough decision. Hoping he heals well and we can see him this summer. 💙”

Starting at 12-1, Rodriguez’s odds were shortened to 6-1 as the week progressed, putting him miles ahead of Citizen Bull, who now stands at 15-1. “That’s such a bummer. I thought he had the best chance of any Wood Memorial winner in years. Appreciate you doing what is in the horse’s best interest though. He’s a good one, and I wish him a speedy recovery,” wrote one fan. Similarly, a fan shared, “Ugh this sucks but the horse ALWAYS comes first. He was my favorite for the Derby. Will be excited to see him in the Preakness though.” Luckily, for the fan, the wait to see Rodriguez back on track won’t be long as The Preakness Stakes (G1), the second leg of the Triple Crown, is set to take place on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course.

Finally, another supporter noted, “Sorry to hear that, but it’s definitely the right decision! Thank you for doing what’s right.” As Saturday approaches, fans are eager to see if Baffert’s team can still claim victory. Rodriguez’s scratch is a setback, but his Preakness goal offers a light at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime, it remains to be seen if Citizen Bull can turn the odds on their heads to bring Baffert his seventh Kentucky Derby honor.