Imagine a racehorse returning to the track after a seven-month hiatus, only to dominate a stakes race against seasoned competitors. That's exactly what Thought Process did in the Buena Vista Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park on February 28th, leaving everyone in awe. But here's where it gets intriguing: could this performance be a sign of a champion emerging, or was it just a fluke after a long layoff? Let's dive into the details and explore the story behind this remarkable comeback.
The four-year-old filly, sired by Collected, faced five older fillies and mares in the one-mile turf event. Despite their more recent racing records, bettors favored Thought Process, sending her off as the 6-5 favorite. This confidence wasn’t misplaced, as she delivered a performance that showcased both her raw talent and the strategic brilliance of her team. And this is the part most people miss: her ability to relax and finish strong, a skill meticulously honed by trainer Phil D'Amato and jockey Hector Berrios.
Early in the race, Grand Slam Smile, an eight-time stakes winner, took the lead. Thought Process, positioned on the rail, broke sharply and settled into third place, tracking the pace comfortably. D'Amato noted, 'We've been really working hard on getting her to relax and finish, and he stuck with the plan.' As they approached the five-sixteenths pole, Berrios guided her to the outside, and she responded with a burst of speed, taking the lead and pulling away to win by two lengths in 1:34.20.
'I tried to just wait and wait, and when I asked her, she passed them easily,' Berrios remarked, highlighting her willingness and class. Vibez closed to finish second, a neck ahead of Grand Slam Smile, but the day belonged to Thought Process.
D'Amato revealed that Thought Process was only about 90%-95% fit for the Buena Vista, leaving room for even greater performances ahead. 'This is the way you want to win off the layoff,' he said. 'Going into the next is good, positive reinforcement here, and we'll have her ready to go.' The trainer hinted at a possible step up to Grade 1 competition, with the Gamely Stakes (G1T) at Santa Anita on May 25th being a potential target. But here's the controversial part: is Thought Process truly ready for the highest level, or is this optimism premature?**
Thought Process’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After winning the San Clemente Handicap (G2T) at Del Mar last summer and placing third in the Del Mar Oaks (G1T), she was given a seven-month break to mature. 'She needed a little time to grow up, I think mentally more than anything else,' said Billy Koch of Little Red Feather Racing. Her relaxed demeanor in the Buena Vista was a testament to this decision, and Berrios’s skillful ride ensured she had the perfect trip.
The partnerships behind Thought Process are also worth noting. Little Red Feather has enjoyed success collaborating with the Jones family and Sol Kumin’s Madaket Stable, winning stakes with horses like Conclude and Iron Man Cal, both sired by Collected. The Jones family’s Airdrie Stud purchased Thought Process’s dam, Creative Thinking, a stakes winner herself, as a yearling. Thought Process, however, went through the 2023 Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton sales as an RNA, eventually finding her way to this winning partnership.
Collected, the sire of both Thought Process and Vibez, continues to make his mark. Formerly standing at Airdrie in Kentucky, he has been moved to Rancho San Miguel in California for the 2026 breeding season, where he stands for $7,500. His offspring’s success raises questions: Is Collected the next big thing in stallion circles, or is his success merely a product of his offspring’s talent?
Thought Process’s Buena Vista victory is more than just a race win; it’s a story of patience, strategy, and potential. As she moves forward, the racing world will be watching closely to see if she can sustain this momentum. What do you think? Is Thought Process the real deal, or is it too early to crown her a champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
