Owner

C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine

Trainer

John A. Shirreffs

Jockey

Berrios, Hector Isaac

Breeder

Grandview Equine

Earnings

$100,000

Color

Bay

Overview

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Baeza?

 
The John Shirreffs-trained Baeza has emerged as one of the most improved members of the 2025 sophomore class. Named after the Hall of Fame jockey, this bay colt by Palace Malice showed enough promise to earn his way into the Kentucky Derby field, accumulating 50 points through his runner-up finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

 

Under the guidance of Flavien Prat, Baeza delivered a career-best performance in the Kentucky Derby, rallying from mid-pack to finish a strong third at Churchill Downs behind Sovereignty and Journalism. The effort, at odds of 38-1, stamped him as a legitimate classic contender rather than just a California hopeful.

 

With earnings now exceeding $700,000, Baeza has rewarded the faith of owners C R K Stable and Grandview Equine. His steady progression through the spring suggests he's still improving, and his running style should suit classic distances. Shirreffs, who engineered Giacomo's stunning Kentucky Derby upset in 2005, has demonstrated again his ability to have a horse peak for the biggest stages.

Pedigree

Sire Name McKinzie

Dam Name Puca

Derby News June 2, 2025

Kentucky Derby rematch: Sovereignty, Journalism, Baeza square off in Belmont

Kentucky Derby (G1) star Sovereignty will renew rivalry with runner-up Journalism and third-placer Baeza in Saturday’s $2 million Belmont (G1).

Horse Profile April 16, 2025

Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Baeza

CRK Stable and Grandview Equine’s Baeza punched his ticket to Louisville with a game second-place run in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 5 for conditioner John Shirreffs. The colt has amassed 37.5 points on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge...

Features March 5, 2025

Baeza a Kentucky Derby candidate in both pedigree and name

"Who is Baeza?" is a question with multiple answers. Let's first explore the one pertinent to the here and now.

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