BAEZA ran 3rd in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes this past spring.

But late in the day on the last Saturday of summer he would finally become a Grade 1 winner.

BAEZA came from off the pace, circled rivals in the far turn, took command in the stretch, and then drew off to a clear victory in the $1 million-dollar, Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby on September 20th at Parx Racing.

With jockey Hector Berrios in the irons, BAEZA bested nine other entrants in the season’s last major Stakes race restricted to 3-year-olds to secure his first career Grade 1 win.

He completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.03 on a fast track to win by 2 1/4 lengths. MAGNITUDE rallied late to claim 2nd. GOAL ORIENTED was another two lengths back finishing in 3rd.

As he broke toward the rear of the 10-horse field, Berrios urged BAEZA to remain connected to the back of the group and not fall too far behind.

While SO SANDY set opening fractions of 23.01, :46.63, and 1:10.51, BAEZA patiently stayed the course and gradually gained on the leaders.

When Berrios called upon BAEZA at the three-eighths pole he got an immediate response.

“Once he responded and I saw the other horses, I said ‘It’s our win. Our race,” Berrios said.

BAEZA cruised into contention and approached the new leader, GOAL ORIENTED at the quarter pole before drawing away in the stretch.

Trainer John Shirreffs wouldn’t commit to the $7 million-dollar Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar as the next race for BAEZA, though it does seem a logical place to run given that the horse is based in Southern California.

Shirreffs had a big smile on his face when discussing his hopes for a 4-year-old campaign.

He was also eager for another shot at SOVEREIGNTY who won the previous three races in which BAEZA was entered.

“I always look forward to a shot at SOVEREIGNTY,” Shirreffs said.

Be careful what you wish for John.