Shaaz , a grade 3-placed winning son of Uncle Mo , has arrived and will be standing stud at Barton Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez, Calif., beginning with the 2024 breeding season, the farm announced June 1.
William M. Backer Revocable Trust bred the colt in Virginia out of the winning Mineshaft mare Miss Ocean City, who also is the dam of grade 2 winner Azar (Scat Daddy). Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni bought Shaaz on behalf of Michael Lund Petersen for $1.1 million at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale out of Pike Racing's consignment.
Shaaz won his racing debut for trainer Bob Baffert Dec. 26, 2021, at Santa Anita Park by half a length over eventual grade 3 winner and stablemate Hopkins. He went on to win his next two starts, earning a 105 Equibase Speed Figure in an April 2 allowance optional claiming race. His first stakes test came in the Steve Sexton Mile (G3) at Lone Star Park, where he finished a close third by 1 1/2 lengths behind Silver Prospector and Mish. In the Steve Sexton he beat multiple graded stakes winner Rated R Superstar and earned a 110 ESF.
Shaaz made his last start in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), where he finished fourth.
Barton said Shaaz offers California breeders faultless conformation and a black-type pedigree with proven racing ability. He will stand for $5,000 in 2024, and a physical inspection can be arranged by calling Barton Thoroughbreds.
