Grade I Winner Kopion Takes On Baffert Trio In Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes
At 1h00, on January 30, 2025 • By Santa Anita Park
Kopion, who returned from an 8 ½-month layoff and took down the GI La Brea for 3-year-old fillies on opening day at Santa Anita, will take on a trio of contenders from the Bob Baffert barn in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares going seven furlongs.
In the seven-furlong La Brea, Kopion attended the pace and then drew off in the stretch to win impressively by 2 ¾ lengths. Left in her wake that day was runner-up Splendora, who also returns in the Santa Monica. Trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, Kopion last January won the GIII Santa Ynez, also going seven furlongs at Santa Anita.
By Omaha Beach, Kopion is 5: 3-1-0 with $314,600 in earning for owner Spendthrift Farm. She will be ridden by Antonio Fresu for the first time.
