On Saturday, the Grade 2 Santa Monica Stakes at Santa Anita Park features a compelling four-horse showdown, headlined by Grade 1 winner Kopion facing off against three Bob Baffert-trained challengers.
While the early-season racing buzz is centered on Kentucky Derby prep races, this seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares presents an intriguing betting opportunity. As Derby season heats up, the Santa Monica Stakes serves as a key barometer for the top female sprinters and their future stakes campaigns.
Kopion Aims to Build on La Brea Success
Kopion made a powerful statement on opening day at Santa Anita, returning from an 8 ½-month layoff to claim victory in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes. She pressed the pace before drawing away for a 2 ¾-length triumph, confirming her status as one of California’s elite female sprinters. Trained by Richard Mandella and owned by Spendthrift Farm, the daughter of Omaha Beach has a career record of 5: 3-1-0 with $314,600 in earnings. Antonio Fresu will take the reins as Kopion seeks to back up her impressive La Brea win.
Baffert’s Trio Adds Firepower to Santa Monica Stakes
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert counters with a formidable trio. Leading the charge is Richi, a Group 1 winner from Chile who has adapted well to U.S. racing. After finishing second in the Desert Stormer Stakes, she returned from a seven-month layoff to win the Grade 3 Las Flores Stakes by 1 ½ lengths. With an 11: 7-3-0 record and $178,424 in earnings, Richi will be guided by Hector Berrios for the first time.
Splendora, a 25-1 runner-up in the La Brea, looks to turn the tables on Kopion. The 4-year-old daughter of Audible broke her maiden at Santa Anita in October before securing an allowance win at Del Mar. Owned by Talla Racing LLC, she has a record of 4: 2-2-0 with $138,400 in earnings. Frankie Dettori remains in the saddle for this rematch.
Hope Road rounds out Baffert’s trio. Though she finished fourth in the La Brea, her previous victories in the Grade 3 Bayakoa Stakes and Grade 3 Torrey Pines Stakes showcased her talent. The Quality Road filly, owned and bred by Cicero Farms, has earned $336,020 from eight starts. Juan Hernandez retains the ride as she aims to bounce back.
With a compact yet highly competitive field, the Santa Monica Stakes promises an exciting battle among top-tier sprinters, providing a valuable glimpse into the future of this division.
