“I’m happy to be back.” That’s what Bob Baffert said, brushing off the dust from a three-year Derby timeout like it was just a long coffee break. But as the gates opened and hooves pounded under soggy skies, the storyline shifted fast. Baffert’s big hope, Citizen Bull, had the early juice; but it was Sovereignty who stole the spotlight, storming past the much-hyped Journalism right at the wire. Yup, you heard it right… Sovereignty clipped the script, beat the media horse at its own game, and claimed the roses in front of a wild crowd of 147,406, cranking up the Derby vibe to legendary.

And let’s not forget the man behind the magic: Junior Alvarado, his heart bursting and eyes misty, soaking in his first Derby win like a dream coming true. Trainer William Mott added yet another jewel to his Triple Crown collection, proving once again that the old legends still got it. With a cool $3.1 million in Sovereignty’s pockets and the Preakness up next, the Triple Crown dream is very much alive. As for Baffert? That sweet comeback headline he probably wanted… yeah, it got left behind. And now, Bob Baffert’s comeback tour, after that Derby heartbreak, feels like a storm, but the road ahead? It’s looking like a no-brakes, all-gas redemption ride that’s gonna be hard to brake.

David Grening took to X on May 4 and dropped a lil update that’s got horse racing fans buzzing. He wrote, “Sovereignty far from definite for Preakness,” before quoting Mott’s thoughtful take: “I think over the years people realize spacing these horses out a little bit gives you the opportunity to make them last a little longer and I think we’re looking at a career. We want the career to last more than five weeks.” Yep, it sounds like Team Sovereignty’s playing the longevity game—beyond just chasing the Triple Crown, but eyeing the whole legacy.

And yep, J.J. Hysell spilled the tea. Bill Mott’s taking it slow with Sovereignty, saying they totally respect the Triple Crown magic, but they’re not diving in just yet. He’s letting the horse do the talking, feeling it out day by day, vibe by vibe. Meanwhile, Journalism isn’t locked down for Preakness either, but McCarthy left the door wide open saying, “We’ll speak to everybody and come up with a gameplan. You’re always anxious to try it again and he’s run well off of short rest. We’ll see. If he’s good, you have to think about it.” Basically, it’s a maybe wrapped in hope and sprinkled with strategy.

And oh, twist incoming! According to NTC Feed, Bob Baffert’s prized colt Rodriguez was struck out of the 2025 Derby, all thanks to a small but apparently sensitive foot bruise. But they’re not waving the white flag just yet. Co-owner Tom Ryan says they’re aiming for redemption at the Preakness instead. As for Baeza? The Derby’s calling his name now, with a far sight locked on Belmont. So yeah, the Triple Crown trail just got a little twistier, a whole lot spicier, and filled with ‘wait and watch’ vibes as trainers juggle dreams, bruises, and bold game plans. And yup, Bob Baffert’s Rodriguez is all set to make waves after missing out on Kentucky Derby!

Bob Baffert to go from disappointment to potential win?

Rodriguez was supposed to be that guy; the buzz, the flash, the headline stealer. A total head-turner, this 3-year-old rising star had already stolen the show at the Grade 2 Wood Memorial in April with a gate-to-wire masterclass, cruising past his rivals like he was gliding on clouds. Everyone had their Derby dreams wrapped up in him, especially since it marked the big Churchill Downs comeback for Bob Baffert. But then, plot twist. A tiny, stubborn foot bruise swooped in and crushed the moment.

Co-owner Tom Ryan broke the hearts on X, gently dropping the news that they were pulling him out “out of an abundance of caution.” Fans didn’t hold back, one even said they were ready to bet big. But most people knew the deal: horse comes first, always. They’ll now shift the spotlight to the Preakness, and honestly, the redemption arc is already loading.

But now with Preakness in the view, Rodriguez, with his glittering resume of two wins, two seconds, and one third in five starts, is all set to flash his brilliance with three 100+ Equibase speed scores in four races. His Wood Memorial win? Straight-up fire; 111 speed figure, beating Grande by over three lengths like it was light work. He had the momentum, the pedigree, and the saddle royalty. So yeah, the scratch stings, but let’s just say the Preakness stage is set, and Rodriguez isn’t done making noise yet.