Thought Process Returns From Six-Month Layoff to Win G2 Buena Vista

Thought Process made what connections called a cautious comeback look like a statement in the Grade 2 Buena Vista at Santa Anita, rolling to a two-length victory in the one-mile turf test in 1:34.20. The 4-year-old daughter of Collected saved ground along the rail, stalked pacesetter Grand Slam Smile through fractions of 23.35, 46.85 and 1:10.87, swung out entering the stretch and was never challenged while completing her first start since last August.

Hector Berrios rode Thought Process and described the move succinctly: “I tried to wait and wait and when I asked her, she passed them easily,” Berrios said. Vibez rallied to finish second by a neck over Grand Slam Smile; Juan Hernandez rode Vibez for trainer Peter Eurton, and Kazushi Kimura had the mount on Grand Slam Smile for trainer Sean McCarthy. Thought Process went off as the 6-5 favorite and Vibez was listed at 9-2 in the race coverage.

The victory upgraded Thought Process’s resume to a second graded-stakes score and her third stakes victory overall, bringing her record to 9: 6-0-2 and pushing career earnings to more than $500,000 for owners The Estate of Brereton C. Jones, Little Red Feather Racing and Madaket Stables. The race day payouts were listed as follows: “Thought Process paid $4.60, $3.00 and $2.10.” “Vibez returned $4.60 and $2.60.” “Grand Slam Smile, with Kazushi Kimura aboard for trainer Sean McCarthy, paid $2.10.”

Trainer Phil D’Amato emphasized the balance between readiness and temperament coming off the layoff: “I had to get her close to fit and keep her happy in the paddock,” D’Amato said. He added that the filly is ready for bigger chances, saying “She’s a special filly,” and the report noted that D’Amato said a Grade 1 try could be forthcoming. Owner representative Billy Koch of Little Red Feather Racing pointed to the Gamely Stakes, a Grade 1 at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita on May 25, as a likely next target and said, “Hopefully we can get there.”

Thought Process arrived at the Buena Vista off a string of juvenile and sophomore wins that included the San Clemente Stakes (G2) at Del Mar and the Surfer Girl Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita, and she had been third as the favorite in the Del Mar Oaks (G1) in her most recent start before the layoff. With the six-month absence behind her and a time of 1:34.20 on the board, connections now have a graded-stakes campaign to plot toward the spring and the potential step up to Grade 1 company on May 25 at Santa Anita.