DEL MAR, Calif. – The top female dirt horses in California have plenty to prove Saturday at Del Mar in a Grade 1 that may offer a preview of Breeders’ Cup races this fall over the same track.
The question facing Kopion, Seismic Beauty, and Richi on Saturday in the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch – what BC races to aim for? The Hirsch is a “Win and You’re In” for the BC Distaff.
Kopion could target the BC Distaff or BC Filly and Mare Sprint, depending on how she fares Saturday when she stretches to 1 1/16 miles for the first time since last year. Kopion has never won a route, but four sprints since late December were strong, including a pair of Grade 1 wins.
“Her races this year look like she’s wanting to go farther,” trainer Richard Mandella said. “She’s settling in her races nicely, her gallop -outs are good. If it doesn’t work, I’ve got time to freshen her up for the [BC Filly and Mare Sprint].”
Kopion is drawn outside in the Hirsch; the versatile filly can press or set the pace under Kazushi Kimura. Kopion has won on the lead and rallying from behind, her three stakes wins since late December at seven furlongs include two Grade 1s – the La Brea at Santa Anita and Derby City Distaff at Churchill Downs.
Although her three-race win streak ended last month, when she finished second in a Grade 2 sprint at Los Alamitos, Kopion was not disgraced. She was floated wide by the winner and compromised by an equipment malfunction.
“She lost a shoe in the race and cooled out sore,” Mandella said. “I think it made a significant difference. Whether she can go faster than [winner Sweet Azteca] went, I don’t know.” Kopion finished 1 1/2 lengths behind Sweet Azteca.
Bob Baffert entered three in the Hirsch – Seismic Beauty, Richi, and comebacker Nothing Like You. Seismic Beauty crushed both recent routes, including a 104 Beyer Speed Figure runaway last out in the Grade 2 Santa Margarita at Santa Anita.
From the rail in the Hirsch, Seismic Beauty and jockey Juan Hernandez probably are committed to the lead. “The break is going to dictate, whoever breaks well, that’s the key,” Baffert said. “The only thing I don’t like, is sometimes off the inside, they don’t break as well.”
Seismic Beauty could wire the field, though stablemate Richi also has speed. Her most recent start, and first U.S. route win, was the Grade 2 Santa Maria in April at Santa Anita. Winner of a Group 1 at 1 1/4 miles in Chile, the Breeders’ Cup status for Richi is pending. She won a Grade 3 sprint early this year, and could be a candidate for the BC Filly and Mare Sprint.
Baffert said Richi “has been working really well down here [at Del Mar].”
The trainer expects her to press the pace. “She’s manageable, you can put her where you want.”
Antonio Fresu rides Richi.
Nothing Like You also entered the Hirsch, which was not the first choice for a comebacker. “There was nowhere else to run her,” Baffert said. “She comes from off the pace, so if there happens to be a speed duel, she’ll pick up the pieces.”
Drayden Van Dyke rides Nothing Like You, a Grade 2 winner whose most recent start was September.
Royal Spa arrived from Kentucky a week and a half ago. She finished second behind 2024 BC Distaff winner Thorpedo Anna last out at a distance slightly out of reach.
“We just think the mile and an eighth is a little too long,” trainer Rodolphe Brisset said. “The [Hirsch] was the next logical step for us to try to get a Grade 1 placing. It looked like a better setup for her. It looks like we may have some pace to run at.”
Hector Berrios rides Royal Spa.
Little Hidden Port is a Group 2 winner from Argentina making her U.S. debut. Trainer John Sadler preferred an allowance for her comeback, but the race did not fill.
.“She’s really woken up in her training. I think she’ll run well,” Sadler said. “Does that mean she comes closing late to be third? Don’t know. That’s a tough group.”
Armando Ayuso rides late-runner Little Hidden Port. Turf specialist Mahina is the longest shot in the field.
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