After spending a leisurely few months at trainer John Shirreffs' Santa Anita Park barn, grade 1 winner and Eclipse Award finalist Baeza is back in serious training for a 4-year-old campaign. On Jan. 28, Baeza worked at Santa Anita for the first time since the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) when drilling 3 furlongs in :39.
"It was just something to get him going," Shirreffs said.
Baeza finished sixth in the Breeders' Cup Classic to close out the year. Prior to that effort, Baeza earned the biggest win of his career when taking down the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx Racing. The son of McKinzie also finished second in both the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Jim Dandy Stakes (G2), finishing just as a length off eventual Horse of the Year Sovereignty in the latter. Baeza was also third in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1), finishing behind Sovereignty and Journalism, who were his fellow Eclipse Awards finalists in the 3-year-old male category. Baeza made one start as a 2-year-old on turf, before returning as a 3-year-old and breaking his maiden in his third start. In nine career starts, Baeza has banked $1.6 million for owners C R K Stable and Grandview Equine.
Shirreffs said it is still too early to know where Baeza might surface for his seasonal bow.
"We're just going to wait and see what races are available when he's ready," he added.
Baeza was purchased by Mayberry Farm for $1.2 million out of the Runnymede Farm consignment at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is the son of McKinzie and out of 2024 Kentucky Thoroughbred Association Broodmare of the Year Puca.
Shirreffs told BloodHorse Saturday afternoon that Baeza is "not the immature horse he was this last summer and spring."
The other high-profile 4-year-old on the grounds, Journalism, returned to Santa Anita two weeks ago from Bridlewood Farm in Florida where he spent most of the winter. The 2025 Santa Anita Derby and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner is galloping daily and nearing his first work for trainer Michael McCarthy.
