### Pace Crucial for Rodriguez in Belmont Stakes, Says Baffert

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert believes that pace will play a critical role in determining the performance of his trainee, Rodriguez, in the Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course on June 7.

Rodriguez boasts an impressive resume, including a wire-to-wire victory in the April 5 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack and a fast-time maiden race win at Santa Anita Park on January 4. In the upcoming eight-horse Belmont, the final leg of the Triple Crown, Rodriguez is expected to make an early bid to outrun longshot Crudo for the lead.

In previous races, Rodriguez's fortunes have varied. He captured the Wood Memorial but finished third in the March 1 San Felipe Stakes (G2) and second in the February 1 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3), both at Santa Anita. These performances were influenced by a change in racing strategy that Baffert reflected on. "We tried rating him," Baffert mentioned. "He just didn't want any part of that; you know, he wasn't happy being behind horses."

With Rodriguez starting from post 3 and Crudo from two spots outside, Rodriguez's jockey, Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith, might try to control the race's tempo and put fellow Hall of Famer John Velazquez on Crudo in a less favorable position. How the two horses break from the gate could quickly change the dynamics of the race.

Weather conditions could introduce additional uncertainty for Rodriguez. He has never raced on anything other than a fast track, recording a 2-2-1 record and earnings of $522,800 over five starts for a multitude of owners including SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, and others. "I'm hearing all these different weather reports, so (hoping) for a fast track," said Baffert.

Rodriguez missed the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs due to a foot issue and was held out of the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 17 to recover fully. Baffert, who has three Belmont victories with Point Given (2001), American Pharaoh (2015), and Justify, remains optimistic. "I think they were all gimmes. You know, they were all good horses," he remarked, reflecting on his past successes.

The Belmont Stakes will be a true test of whether Rodriguez can handle the pressure and pace to secure a victory in this storied race.