Baeza Exorcises Past Disappointment, Shines in Pennsylvania Derby with Héctor Berríos

Chilean Jockey Shines Aboard McKinzie Colt, Who Finally Breaks Through at the Highest Level

Baeza and Héctor Berríos Secure Long-Awaited Victory / PARX RACING

BENSALEM, Philadelphia (Special for Turf Diario).- Trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Chilean jockey Héctor Berríos, Baeza was the star of last Saturday at Parx Racing, capturing the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1, 1,800 m, dirt). After a campaign that had seen him battle shoulder-to-shoulder with Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and Journalism (Curlin) without success, the McKinzie colt out of the sensational Puca (Big Brown) finally reached the pinnacle, fully displaying his talent. With the two leading generation stars absent, all eyes were on him, and Berríos executed the race perfectly.

“This was the day to test him, and he did it brilliantly,” said Shirreffs, reflecting on Baeza’s previous experiences in the Belmont Stakes (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1), where he had always finished behind the generation’s stars. “Working with him, watching him grow, seeing him run at Belmont and the Kentucky Derby… this victory feels very special,” the trainer added, visibly moved.

Berríos, who had ridden Baeza in five of his eight starts, was instrumental in the outcome. Settling the chestnut at the back of the field early, he kept him close as So Sandy (Omaha Beach) set fractions of 23.11, 46.63, and 1:10.51. Berríos waited for the perfect moment, calling Baeza to action around the far turn.

“Once he responded and I saw the others, I said, ‘This is our race, our victory,’” the Chilean jockey recalled, highlighting the trust and connection with his mount. With determination, Baeza surged, caught Goal Oriented (Not This Time) in the final quarter-mile, and drew clear late to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Magnitude (Not This Time), with Goal Oriented third, two lengths back.

“He’s a late-developing horse, and John is the perfect trainer for this type of colt,” Berríos said, noting the maturity Baeza has gained since his first races of the year. “Now he’s more focused and still has room to improve. I always knew he would respond when the time came.”

The victory is also historic for Puca, dam of Baeza, who previously produced Mage (Good Magic), winner of the 2023 Kentucky Derby, and Dornoch (Good Magic), winner of the 2024 Belmont Stakes (G1) and Haskell Stakes (G1). Baeza marks her third consecutive offspring to capture a G1, solidifying her status as a top broodmare.

Baeza completed the 1,800 meters in 1:48.31, paying $4.80. Berríos’ ride was crucial—perfect race reading, tact, and patience guided a horse who had shown ability throughout the Triple Crown. “When you ride him every day, you know how he’ll react. Today all of that came together, and he responded spectacularly,” Berríos concluded.

With this triumph, Baeza not only confirms his talent but opens an exciting chapter for the rest of the season. Shirreffs is already considering a potential showdown with Sovereignty, with the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) as a likely stage for a highly anticipated clash.

Finally, Baeza celebrated his G1 victory, with Shirreffs and Berríos sharing a moment that will be remembered by all who follow American racing—a win built on talent, patience, and perseverance, proving that dreams do come true, even if they take time.