Kopion delivers huge performance in Santa Monica S. (G2)
February 1, 2025

Omaha Beach’s Kopion turned in arguably the best performance of her career in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Monica S. (G2) at Santa Anita Park, defeating a trio of Bob Baffert runners by 4 ½-lengths for her third career graded stakes win.
The Spendthrift Farm LLC-owned 4-year-old was stellar in winning the La Brea S. (G1) on the day after Christmas, and outdid that effort with her win on Saturday. In the compact field of four, Kopion was second, less than a length behind Hope Road for the backstretch run. She edged closer around the turn and was on even terms turning for home. When asked for her run in upper stretch, she powered clear and won with authority in 1:21.27 for the seven furlongs on a fast track.
Kopion earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 110 for the win, the highest number for any horse in North America in 2025.
“Today was a smaller field so I just tried to not be in the way,” said winning jockey Antonio 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.”
“She has just grown into a beautiful mare and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” added winning trainer Richard Mandella.
Winner of the 2024 Santa Ynez S. (G3), Kopion is 4-1-0 in six starts and has earned $434,600.
Pedigree Notes from the TDN
Kopion, one of two top-level winners for 2024 champion Second-Crop sire Omaha Beach, is a daughter of 2016 Outstanding Broodmare in Canada Galloping Ami. The dam of graded winner Ami’s Flatter and Canadian champion Amis Gizmo, Galloping Ami is a full-sister to stakes winner Victorious Ami, who produced Canadian champion Ami’s Mesa and graded winner Ami’s Holiday.