Leading Racehorses Baeza and Further Ado to Join Spendthrift Farm's Stallion Roster in 2027
Spendthrift Farm has announced its intention to add two exceptional Grade 1 winning racehorses, Baeza and Further Ado, to its esteemed roster of stallions starting in the 2027 breeding season. This strategic move aims to bolster the farm's breeding program with proven talent and distinguished pedigrees.
Baeza has consistently demonstrated his prowess as a top-tier Grade 1 competitor throughout his career. Purchased for a significant sum of $1.2 million at the Keeneland September yearling sale, he achieved placings in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes as a three-year-old, subsequently securing a victory in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1). His competitive spirit continued into his four-year-old season, maintaining performance at the sport's highest echelons. Ned Toffey, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Spendthrift, highlighted Baeza's comprehensive appeal, citing his impressive physique, sustained high-level performance indicative of his durability and skill, and a notable lineage that includes two Classic winners. Baeza, sired by McKinzie (a Pennsylvania Derby winner himself) and out of the celebrated broodmare Puca (dam of Kentucky Derby victor Mage and Belmont Stakes/Haskell Stakes winner Dornoch), represents the third Grade 1-winning offspring for Puca.
Further Ado, a prominent runner campaigned by Spendthrift Farm and under the guidance of trainer Brad Cox, established himself as a formidable presence in two-turn races from a young age. His career milestones include a dominant 20-length maiden win at Keeneland, followed by a victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs. At three, he impressively won the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) by 11 lengths and added the Matt Winn (G3) to his achievements, recording the second-fastest time for that race, surpassed only by his sire, Gun Runner. Toffey remarked on Further Ado's potential to carry on Gun Runner's influence, noting his exceptional brilliance, athleticism, two-turn speed, and ideal physical attributes. Further Ado, whose dam is Sky Dreamer (by Sky Mesa), also boasts a rich female lineage that includes champion Beautiful Pleasure, Grade 1 winner Dream Dancing, and multiple graded-stakes winner Kimbear. Both Baeza and Further Ado are slated to commence their stud careers at Spendthrift upon the conclusion of their respective racing careers, promising to bring fresh and powerful genetics to the future of thoroughbred racing.
The integration of these two highly decorated racehorses into Spendthrift Farm's stallion lineup represents a forward-looking investment in the sport's future. Their proven capabilities on the track, combined with their strong genetic backgrounds, offer immense potential for producing the next generation of champions, thereby contributing positively to the evolution and prestige of horse racing.