Kopion makes it back-to-back graded stakes victories (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
Santa Anita Press Box
ARCADIA, Calif. — Kopion made it consecutive graded stakes victories Saturday when drawing away late under Antonio Fresu to win the Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares going seven furlongs.
Kopion, the 6-5 favorite, sat just off pacesetter Hope Road (2-1) through fractions of 22.67 and 45.04 seconds for the opening half mile. Kopion drew on even terms with the leader near the quarter pole and kicked clear in the stretch to win comfortably by 4 ½ lengths. Hope Road, trained by Bob Baffert, held second over stablemates Richi (5-2) in third and Splendora in (6-1) in fourth.
“Today was a smaller field so I just tried to not be in the way,” Fresu said. “I just thought to break well and sit right next to the leader. Just kept it simple. She has a lot of class and is very good.”
Trained by Richard Mandella for owner Spendthrift Farm, Kopion previously won the GI La Brea going seven furlongs on Dec. 26 at Santa Anita following an 8 ½-month layoff. The 4-year-old filly by Omaha Beach completed seven furlongs in 1:21.27.
“She has just grown into a beautiful mare and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Mandella said from the Winner’s Circle.
With no show wagering, Kopion paid $4.40 and $2.40. Hope Road, ridden by Juan Hernandez, returned $3.00.
Kopion is now 6: 4-1-1 with $434,600 in earnings. Last year, she won the GIII Santa Ynez in January at Santa Anita then was second in the GIII Las Virgenes and fourth in the GII Santa Anita Oaks before hitting the sidelines.
This was the fourth Santa Monica win for Mandella and first since 2005 with Argentina-bred Salt Champ.
