Rodriguez Wins Wood Memorial, Qualifies for Kentucky Derby

Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith, won the 100th running of the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:48.15. The victory, achieved by leading the race from start to finish, awarded Rodriguez 100 qualifying points for the May 3 Derby, marking Baffert's potential return to the race for a record seventh victory after a three-year ban. Grande finished second and earned 50 points, likely securing his place in the Derby, while favored Captain Cook finished fourth. Baffert's strategy to split his Derby contenders between New York and California proved successful. As the final preps for the Derby approach, the Blue Grass Stakes has been postponed due to inclement weather, leaving the Lexington Stakes as one of the last chances for horses to qualify. Rodriguez, a son of 2020 Derby winner Authentic, demonstrates considerable promise for the upcoming race.