Get ready for a thrilling day at Santa Anita Park as the Grade II Santa Monica Stakes takes center stage on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. With a purse of $200,000 up for grabs, this seven-furlong race is set to feature some of the finest fillies and mares, four years old and upward.
Here’s a closer look at the contenders:
- Richi (CHI) – This 5-year-old mare, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by H. I. Berrios, is the morning line favorite with odds of 9/5. Richi carries 122 pounds and has shown promise with her pedigree as a daughter of Practical Joke out of Rich Baby (CHI), by Scat Daddy. Bred by Haras Paso Nevado, Richi is owned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc. and Stud Vendaval, Inc.
- Hope Road (KY) – Another strong contender from the Bob Baffert stable, this 4-year-old filly will be ridden by J. J. Hernandez. Hope Road carries 122 pounds and has morning line odds of 2/1. Sired by Quality Road out of Marley’s Freedom, by Blame, she was bred by Cicero Farms LLC and is owned by Cicero Farms, LLC.
- Kopion (KY) – The 4-year-old filly trained by R. E. Mandella and ridden by A. Fresu is the second favorite with morning line odds of 7/5. Kopion carries 124 pounds and boasts a strong pedigree, being sired by Omaha Beach out of Galloping Ami, by Victory Gallop. Bred by Tall Oaks Farm, she is owned by Spendthrift Farm, LLC.
- Splendora (MD) – This 4-year-old filly, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by L. Dettori, carries 120 pounds and has morning line odds of 5/1. Splendora, sired by Audible out of Miss Freeze, by Frost Giant, was bred by The Elkstone Group LLC and is owned by Talla Racing LLC.
With a strong field of competitors and significant prize money on the line, the Santa Monica Stakes promises to be an electrifying race. Will Richi live up to her favorite status, or will one of the other talented fillies and mares rise to the occasion?
