Rodriguez, who opened at 12-1 but had seen his odds shorten to 6-1 as the week wore on, was scratched due to a bruised foot by trainer Bob Baffert on Thursday evening. In his place, Baeza will draw into the field.

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;