Baeza Retired to Stud at Spendthrift Farm

Grade 1 winner Baeza, a half brother to two American classic winners, has been retired and will enter stud at Spendthrift Farm for the 2027 breeding season. He will stand for an advertised fee of $25,000 with a stands and nurses guarantee. Campaigned by Lee and Susan Searing's C R K Stable and his breeder Robert Clay's Grandview Equine, the 4-year-old son of McKinzie retires with a 2-4-4 record from 13 starts and earning of $2,344,700. A winner of the 2025 Pennsylvania Derby (G1) by 2 1/4 lengths, Baeza also placed in five other grade 1 stakes in which he outperformed elite runners like Sovereignty, Magnitude, White Abarrio, Citizen Bull, and others. At 3, Baeza finished second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) before running third in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). His victory in the Pennsylvania Derby earned him a 117 Equibase Speed Figure and 105 Beyer Speed Figure. Returning at 4, he continued to compete among the nation's best older horses, adding a runner-up finish in the Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) and a third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1). He earned a 114 ESF and 112 Beyer in the Stephen Foster. "Baeza gave us so many great moments, but his run in the Kentucky Derby is something we'll never forget," Lee Searing said. "To watch him come charging down the stretch on the biggest stage in our sport was an incredible thrill. He proved that day that he belonged with the very best of his generation, and he continued to show us that throughout his career. We're incredibly proud of everything he accomplished on the racetrack, and we look forward to supporting his stud career with our mares." Baeza possesses an exceptional pedigree. He is out of 2025 Broodmare of the Year Puca, who is the dam of 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch, who are both by Good Magic. Mayberry Farm bought Baeza for $1.2 million during the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale out Runnymede Farm's consignment. "Baeza is a rare combination of talent, pedigree, and looks. We are excited to show him to breeders; they are going to love what they see," said Spendthrift chief operating officer and general manager Ned Toffey. Baeza retires sound following a career defined by consistency and top-level competition. He will be available for inspection in the coming weeks.