John Shirreffs couldn’t hide his delight on Saturday evening. After Baeza stormed home to claim the Pennsylvania Derby (G1), the veteran trainer planted a kiss on the colt’s nose in the winner’s circle, his emotions as raw as the crowd’s roar. That victory has now propelled the three-year-old into seventh place in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings, announced Tuesday from Lexington.
Sovereignty Still Top, But New Challenger Emerges
The weekly poll, which tracks contenders for the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on November 1, continues to be led by Bill Mott’s Sovereignty. The Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Travers winner commands 391 votes, holding a clear advantage over Todd Pletcher’s Pacific Classic hero Fierceness, who sits second with 347.
Sierra Leone, last year’s Classic winner and Whitney Stakes victor, follows in third with 319 votes for Chad Brown. Pletcher’s Stephen Foster winner Mindframe holds steady in fourth with 257, while Michael McCarthy’s dual classic scorer Journalism rounds out the top five with 225.
Baeza’s Rise After Pennsylvania Derby Glory
For Baeza, owned by C R K Stables and Grandview Equine, the Pennsylvania Derby was more than just a breakthrough Grade 1—it was a statement. Producing a relentless stretch drive, the son of McKinzie won by 2 ½ lengths, and with it, vaulted from ninth to seventh in the Classic Rankings on 167 votes.
“He’s learning, he’s improving, and that’s all you can ask,” Shirreffs said afterward. “It’s exciting to know he’ll be part of the conversation heading into Del Mar.”
Behind him, Antiquarian, fresh from his Jockey Club Gold Cup win, dropped to eighth with 133 votes, while Highland Falls moved into ninth for Brad Cox. Making his first appearance in the top 10 is Steve Asmussen’s Magnitude, runner-up in the Pennsylvania Derby, with 23 votes.
Automatic Berths and the Road Ahead
Several contenders already hold “Win and You’re In” berths: Fierceness (Pacific Classic), Sierra Leone (Whitney), Mindframe (Stephen Foster), Journalism (Haskell), Forever Young (Saudi Cup), and Antiquarian (Jockey Club Gold Cup). One final automatic ticket remains, to be decided in this Saturday’s Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita.
The Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings will be updated weekly through October 7, shaping the narrative toward what promises to be a glittering showdown at Del Mar, limited to just 14 starters.
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