Baeza Proves His Worth In Pennsylvania Derby

Published: Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 5:43 pm

Baeza Claims Victory in Pennsylvania Derby

Baeza, ridden by jockey Hector Isaac Berrios, secured a decisive victory in the $1,000,000 Grade I Pennsylvania Derby on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The three-year-old Thoroughbred, starting from gate eight as the post-time favorite in a field of ten, demonstrated his potential, finally achieving a graded stakes win after a series of near misses.

Prior to the Derby, Baeza had shown promise, finishing second in the Santa Anita Derby, third in the Kentucky Derby, and second in the Jim Dandy Stakes. Trained by John Shirreffs, the son of McKinzie had consistently competed against top contenders since April, making him a seasoned competitor.

The race unfolded with So Sandy setting the pace through the first three-quarters of a mile. Baeza, initially positioned near the back of the field, remained focused under Berrios' guidance. As the race progressed into the far turn, Baeza began to unleash his potential. Berrios urged the colt to the outside, and Baeza surged forward, taking the lead at the top of the stretch. He finished strongly, crossing the finish line two lengths ahead of the competition.

The victory was particularly emotional for Shirreffs, who had previously trained the celebrated Zenyatta. The win brought Baeza's career record to two wins, three seconds, and two thirds in eight starts, with on-track earnings exceeding $1.5 million. The next steps for the colt, owned by CRK Stables and Grandview Equine, are yet to be announced.

BNN's Perspective:

Baeza's win is a testament to the dedication of the horse, the jockey, and the trainer. While the racing world is always abuzz with speculation, this victory proves that consistent effort and strategic racing can lead to success. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this promising colt.

Keywords: Baeza, Pennsylvania Derby, horse racing, Grade I, Hector Isaac Berrios, John Shirreffs, McKinzie, CRK Stables, Grandview Equine, three-year-old, stakes win, Kentucky Derby, Santa Anita Derby, Jim Dandy Stakes, Thoroughbred

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