It was a well-deserved first Grade 1 win for MCKINZIE’s dual classic placed Baeza on Saturday with a Pennsylvania Derby (G1) victory.
Going off as the favorite in the 1 1/8-mile race, Baeza happily settled behind the main pack as he angled in to race a few paths off the rail. Down the backstretch, Baeza picked off another horse to have three in the field beaten and he looked ready to chase down the others when asked.
Angling to the outside coming into the turn, Baeza was fighting for the lead by the time they hit the stretch. Goal Oriented fought to stay in front, but Baeza proved too good and was an easy winner.
By the time they hit the line, he had a deceivingly small 2 ¼ lengths on the field with it clear he had plenty left if needed.
It was Baeza's day to shine! He wins the G1 Pennsylvania Derby! 🏆🌟 pic.twitter.com/m2BTYuRK2I
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) September 20, 2025
Trained by John Shirreffs for CRK Stable and breeder Grandview Equine, the $1.2 million yearling purchase has finished in the top three in seven of eight starts for over $1.5 million in earnings. That group of placings includes seconds in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Jim Dandy S. (G2) and third in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont S. (G1).
A half-brother to Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage and Belmont S. (G1) winner Dornoch, he is out of stakes winner and Grade 2-placed Puca. That mare’s first foal was Gunning, who was multiple stakes placed to give his dam four stakes placed runners from four foals of racing age.
Puca is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Finnegans Wake among the four other winners out of the stakes placed Boat’s Ghost. That mare is one of three stakes performers out of her own dam with the group led by stakes winner Ooey Gooey.
This is the second Grade 1 winner of the year for MCKINZIE – tying him with stallions such as TAPIT Justify, and Curlin, among others.
His three Grade 1 winners overall and five Grade 1 performers lead all second crop sires as well.