Kopion Powers Clear in Dominant Derby City Distaff Victory

Making her first start outside California and handling a sloppy track with aplomb, Kopion asserted her dominance in the female sprint division with a commanding three-length victory in the $1 million Derby City Distaff Stakes (G1) on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs.

The win marked the third consecutive victory for the Spendthrift Farm-owned filly and her second career Grade 1 score.

Breaking from post two under jockey Kazushi Kimura, Kopion settled comfortably in mid-pack as Mystic Lake set the early pace (:22.30, :45.19), pressed by Hope Road. As the field rounded the turn, Hope Road moved to the front, but Kimura maneuvered Kopion into the clear, swinging about four-wide for the stretch run.

Once straightened away, the daughter of Omaha Beach unleashed an impressive turn of foot, easily collaring Hope Road inside the eighth pole and drawing away under steady handling. She completed the seven furlongs in 1:21.76, paying $7.48 as the second betting choice.

“Coming from California the question was ‘how was she going to handle Kentucky?’” Kimura said. “It was not a problem at all. She had no problem with the kickback, when I swung her out, she was traveling so beautifully she was good to go.”  

The victory was a satisfying return to Churchill Downs for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella, who famously trained Kopion’s sire, Omaha Beach, the morning-line favorite for the 2019 Kentucky Derby before being scratched. This was Mandella’s first stakes win at Churchill Downs since 1995.

“The more we go, the smarter she gets,” Mandella said. “She’s starting to make it look like I know something.”

Kopion remains undefeated in five starts at distances of seven furlongs or less, with her only two losses coming in two-turn races. Her winning streak includes the La Brea Stakes (G1) and the Santa Monica Stakes (G2), where she also defeated runner-up Hope Road.

Hope Road held on for second Saturday, completing a California-trained exacta, three-quarters of a length ahead of co-favorite Ways and Means in third.

Scylla rallied from eighth to finished fourth, a full three lengths ahead of fifth place finisher, Emery. Positano Sunset, Vahva, Benedetta, Mystic Lake and Miss Susan B completed the order of finish.

Scratched Horse(s): Awesome Treat (Stakes Scratch), Dorth Vader (Stakes Scratch), Grand Job (Also-Eligible), Haulin Ice (Stakes Scratch), My Mane Squeeze (Stakes Scratch), Taxed (Stakes Scratch)

Fractional Times: 22.30, 45.19, 1:09.25
Final Time: 1:21.76

Winning Connections

Winner: Kopion
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Owner: Spendthrift Farm
Breeder: Tall Oaks Farm
Bloodline: Chestnut Filly, by Omaha Beach out of Galloping Ami, by Victory Gallop. Foaled Mar 06, 2021 in Kentucky
Omaha Beach stands at Spendthrift, in Lexington, KY ($35,000 stands & nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2.00 Exacta (2-12) Paid: $73.48
• $.50 Trifecta (2-12-8) Paid: $79.39
• $1.00 Superfecta (2-12-8-1) Paid: $542.31

Watch the Race