Impressive Victory for Kopion, Kentucky-Bred Daughter of Galloping Ami, in Santa Ynez at Santa Anita

Santa Anita, California - January 8, 2024 - Kopion, a Kentucky-bred filly hailing from Toronto's Ivan Dalos' Tall Oaks Farm, continued her winning streak with a commanding triumph in the Grade III Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita. Bred by Ivan Dalos and a daughter of the Sovereign Award-winning mare Galloping Ami, Kopion showcased her potential with an impressive five ¾ length victory on January 7, 2024.

Ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Richard Mandella, the three-year-old daughter of Omaha Beach faced high expectations following her remarkable maiden win in her debut race. Kopion displayed some initial greenness but quickly settled into her stride, completing the seven furlongs race in 1:23.89.

Breaking from the rail, Kopion took an early lead after her main rival, Tambo, stumbled at the start. Although she briefly veered off-course as the field transitioned onto the central track oval, Flavien Prat skillfully guided her back on track. Kopion maintained her lead, stretching it to 2 ½ lengths at the quarter pole, and comfortably crossed the finish line without any threat from the competition.

Kopion, heavily favored at 1-5 odds, replicated her successful debut performance at Del Mar on November 26, 2023, where she won by 3 3/4 lengths with an impressive 83 Beyer Speed Figure. In this Santa Ynez Stakes victory, she paid $2.40 for a win and $2.10 for a place, with no-show wagering available.

This victory earned Kopion $60,000, bringing her total earnings to $96,600. She was a $270,000 graduate of the Keeneland September Yearling sale, further solidifying her value.

In a surprising turn, Don't Bring Crazy, ridden by Juan Hernandez and the longest shot in the field at 16-1 odds, secured second place and paid $4.60. She finished four ¾ lengths ahead of the unfortunate Tambo.

The race featured fractions of 23.70, 46.55, and 1:10.87.

Galloping Ami, the Outstanding Broodmare Sovereign Award winner in 2016, has a rich lineage within Dalos Canadian-breds. She is the third dam of Sybelle Ami, which in turn produced stakes-placed Secret Ami. Secret Ami, Galloping Ami's offspring, has also succeeded, creating stakes winner Victorious Ami and champions AMIS GIZMO and AMI'S FLATTER.

Galloping Ami's legacy continues with her two-year-old colt, Authentic Gallop (by Authentic), a yearling filly sired by Essential Quality, and another breeding with Uncle Mo for the upcoming term. The two-year-old was acquired for $300,000 at the Keeneland September sale by Greg Tramontin.