Rodriguez was one of two horses in the field trained by the decorated and controversial Baffert, who is returning to the Derby after serving a three-year suspension. In 2021, Baffert's horse, Medina Spirit, tested positive for a banned steroid after winning the Derby and was stripped of the win.

Kentucky Derby is almost here, with Churchill Downs set to host the race on Saturday. This year's Run for the Roses will feature the top 20 horses from the qualifying races, with the winning horse collecting $3.