Rodriguez is a top contender for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, set for May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. With the legendary Bob Baffert, an eight-time Preakness winner, as his trainer, Rodriguez has a lot of pressure on him after his strong showings leading up to the race.
Background and Pedigree
Born on May 20, 2022, Rodriguez is a dark bay colt sired by Authentic, who won the 2020 Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic and was named Horse of the Year. His dam, Cayala, is by Cherokee Run. This lineage mixes stamina and speed, which are crucial for thriving in classic distance races such as the Preakness Stakes (1 3/16 miles). Rodriguez’s pedigree indicates he has the physical and mental qualities needed to shine in intense, elite competitions.
Racing Form and Recent Performances
Rodriguez really stood out in the 2025 prep races, especially when he took the Wood Memorial Stakes (Grade 2) from start to finish, proving he can set the pace and keep his energy up. His front-running approach gives him a strategic edge in the Preakness, where there usually aren’t many speedy horses, letting him call the shots and steer clear of any crowding.
Rodriguez had to pull out of the 2025 Kentucky Derby because of a small but painful bone bruise on his foot. This injury made his team focus on his recovery and aim for the Preakness instead, giving him a two-week break after the Derby. Even with this hiccup, Rodriguez has kept training at Churchill Downs, and his crew is hopeful about him being ready for the Preakness.
Trainer and Jockey
Bob Baffert, who trains Rodriguez, is a Hall of Famer with a legendary track record at the Preakness Stakes, aiming for his ninth victory in this event. His wealth of experience and success in getting horses ready for Triple Crown races boosts Rodriguez’s chances. Riding for Rodriguez is Mike E. Smith, a veteran jockey with several classic wins under his belt, which definitely improves Rodriguez’s odds thanks to his skilled race strategies.
Preakness Stakes 2025 Odds and Competition
Rodriguez is heading into the Preakness as the third favorite with 5-1 odds, trailing behind Sovereignty at 8-5 and Journalism at 5-2, based on expert betting lines. Sovereignty, who won the Kentucky Derby, and Journalism, the Derby favorite that came in second, are both tough competitors, particularly with their strong finishing speed.
Rodriguez’s quick start and tendency to lead might push Sovereignty and Journalism to change their typical late-race strategies, which could throw them off their game. This shift in tactics makes Rodriguez an interesting competitor, as he could create a pace that works in his favor while making the other runners use up their energy sooner than they’d like.
Why Bet on Rodriguez?
Strong Front-Running Ability: Rodriguez’s start-to-finish win in the Wood Memorial shows he can take charge and keep up a quick tempo, which is super important for the Preakness where early speed really matters.
Expert Training and Riding: Thanks to Bob Baffert’s solid history in Triple Crown races and Mike E. Smith’s skills in the saddle, Rodriguez has an awesome team that can really help him shine on race day.
Recovery and Conditioning: Even though he was pulled from the Kentucky Derby because of a foot bruise, Rodriguez has had two weeks to heal up and get ready just for the Preakness, which might mean he’s feeling fresher than some of the horses that ran in the Derby.
Value Betting Opportunity: With 5-1 odds, Rodriguez presents a solid risk-reward opportunity. He may not be the frontrunner, but his recent performance and overall profile indicate he could be a real contender to win or at least place, making him a smart pick for anyone looking for value outside the top two favorites.
Expert Insights
Jody Demling, a well-known horse racing expert who’s been spot on with his recent Preakness predictions, has made Rodriguez one of his top choices for the 2025 Preakness Stakes. He points out Rodriguez’s knack for setting the pace and taking on the late runners, suggesting that the horse’s quick start might push competitors like Sovereignty to make their moves sooner.
Rodriguez is a strong candidate for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, thanks to his top-notch lineage, solid front-running skills, skilled training, and a recovery time that might help him outshine his Derby-raced competitors. His role as a pace setter in a race filled with closers gives him a strategic edge, making him a smart and valuable pick for betting.
If you’re looking to shake things up and get some good returns, you should definitely think about betting on Rodriguez for the Preakness Stakes. With Bob Baffert’s know-how and Mike E. Smith’s great riding, Rodriguez is set to make a big splash on May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course.