In his first start outside of California April 1, the Bob Baffert-trained Hopper thrived over the Oaklawn Park oval, turning back challenges from graded stakes winners Caddo River and Smile Happy to capture the $400,000 Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G3). Purchased by bloodstock agent Donato Lanni’s X-Men Racing for $90,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Hopper races for partnership of Lanni, Madaket Stables, and SF Racing.
Hopper is out of the group 1-winning Caesour mare Irridescence, a champion in South Africa in 2005. Six of her seven foals have raced with three victorious. Hopper is her lone stakes winner.