Kopion runs up to billing in Santa Ynez romp

Jan 08, 2024 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Going on five years after trainer Richard Mandella had to scratch Omaha Beach from the Kentucky Derby (G1) as the morning-line favorite, the Hall of Famer has a talented Omaha Beach filly, Kopion, on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.

Kopion extended her record to 2-for-2 with a dominant front-running performance in Sunday’s $98,000 Santa Ynez (G3) at Santa Anita, picking up 10 Oaks points in her stakes debut. The chestnut was employing different tactics from her smashing first start at Del Mar, where she rallied impressively from off the pace, and her margin was even gaudier here.

The 1-5 favorite against just three rivals, Kopion blasted straight to the lead from her rail post. Her only accomplished opponent, the 2.90-1 Tambo, broke poorly and never got in a position to challenge.

Kopion traveled comfortably every step of the way for jockey Flavien Prat, who gave her the cue to spurt away on the far turn. With a rapid response, Kopion increased her advantage and crossed the wire 5 3/4 lengths clear. The unbeaten filly negotiated seven furlongs in 1:23.89 while making it look like a morning breeze.

The 16-1 Don’t Bring Crazy chased in second throughout and finished as best of the rest by 4 3/4 lengths. Tambo was a non-threatening third, and 24-1 longshot Bossy Bruin Gal trailed. Don’t Bring Crazy, Tambo, and Bossy Bruin Gal received points on the 5-3-2 scale, while the fifth entrant, Petit Filet, scratched.

Kopion was a $270,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Spendthrift Farm, which stands Omaha Beach. She has bankrolled $96,600 so far.

“I love (Omaha Beach),” Mandella said. “He was such a class horse, a good horse, and this filly (Kopion) has just been a star ever since she came back.”

The first graded winner and third overall stakes heroine for her well-regarded young sire, Kopion was adding to the stellar produce record of her dam. She’s out of the Victory Gallop mare Galloping Ami, already responsible for Canadian champion Amis Gizmo, Grade 3 scorer Ami’s Flatter, and stakes winner Aragorn Ami.