Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 9:02 pm | Back to: Top News
Updated: October 3, 2026 at 10:10 pm

By Alan Carasso

Thought Process, a striking four-year-old filly by Collected, delivered a masterful performance at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, leading from wire-to-wire in the Grade II Rodeo Drive Stakes. This commanding victory not only marked her fifth consecutive win at the prestigious “Great Race Place” but also secured her an automatic berth in the prestigious Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland on October 31. Sent off as the overwhelming 4-5 favorite, Thought Process emphatically erased any lingering doubts from her previous runner-up finish in the Grade II John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar last month.

The Brereton Jones homebred, owned by a partnership including Estate of Brereton C. Jones, Little Red Feather Racing, and Madaket Stables LLC, wasted no time establishing her dominance. Breaking cleanly from the innermost post position, she dictated the pace with effortless precision. Jockey Hector Isaac Berrios expertly guided her through the opening quarter mile in a swift 24.51 seconds, already establishing a comfortable advantage over her rivals. Through the middle stages, Thought Process settled beautifully, covering an internal half-mile in a measured 48.03 seconds, a testament to her tactical brilliance and Berrios’s astute handling. It became increasingly apparent that a significant upset would be required to deny her victory.

As the field approached the final three furlongs, Berrios asked Thought Process for another gear. The filly responded with aplomb, unleashing a powerful closing effort that saw her cover the final two furlongs in a swift 22.62 seconds. She crossed the finish line a commanding 4 ¼ lengths ahead of Vronti (GB), the talented mare who captured the CTT & TOC Stakes earlier this season. Resolve finished a further head back in third.

Trainer Phil D’Amato Expresses Confidence and Pride

Following the impressive victory, trainer Philip D’Amato lauded his filly’s exceptional performance and the strategic execution by jockey Hector Berrios. "When I saw those fractions, I thought this was really within our wheelhouse," D’Amato stated. "Kudos to Hector Berrios for doing a great job, and this filly, she loves this turf course here. I think all those things combined helped get us a nice win." D’Amato’s confidence in Thought Process’s affinity for the Santa Anita turf was clearly validated, as she seems to thrive on the challenging course.

The victory in the Rodeo Drive Stakes, a key "Win and You’re In" qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup, ensures Thought Process will be a formidable contender on championship weekend. This will mark her second appearance on the national stage, having previously competed in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. In that race, she set a brisk pace before finishing ninth behind the impressive winner, Lake Victoria (Ire).

A Season of Steadily Building Success

Thought Process’s journey to this pivotal victory has been a testament to her consistent development and quality. After finishing a respectable third in the Grade I Del Mar Oaks last August, she was given a well-deserved break. She made a triumphant return on February 28, securing a smooth two-length victory in the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes over a mile. This marked her first win at the nine-furlong distance. Her progression continued with a victory in the Grade I Gamely Stakes on May 25, further solidifying her status as a top-tier turf mare. Her most recent start prior to the Rodeo Drive Stakes saw her engage in a spirited battle with Medoro (Honor Code) in the final furlong of the GII John C. Mabee Stakes, ultimately finishing second by a narrow margin. This performance, while a setback in terms of winning, showcased her tenacity and competitive spirit.

Pedigree Insights and Breeding Legacy

Thought Process’s success is deeply rooted in her impressive pedigree. She is the daughter of Collected, a sire who has demonstrated a growing impact in the breeding shed, and Creative Thinking, a mare who, despite a modest racing career, has proven to be an exceptional producer. Creative Thinking, herself a winner of the Keertana Overnight Stakes and placed in stakes company in Canada, has produced only two starters to date, with Thought Process being her sole winner. This remarkable success from her first foal highlights Creative Thinking’s significant breeding potential.

The mare’s lineage is further enhanced by her dam, Maiden Tower (GB). A dual Group winner in Europe, Maiden Tower also achieved a second-place finish in the prestigious Grade I Poule d’Essai des Pouliches in 2003 and later secured runner-up honors in Keeneland’s Grade I QE II Challenge Cup that same fall. This indicates a strong foundation of class and stamina in Thought Process’s genetic makeup. Creative Thinking produced a full sibling to Thought Process on April 12 of this year and was subsequently bred back to the highly regarded stallion Oscar Performance, suggesting a continued focus on producing elite turf runners.

RODEO DRIVE S.-GII – Santa Anita – October 3, 2026

The Grade II Rodeo Drive Stakes, a pivotal race on the Santa Anita fall calendar, offered a purse of $203,000 and was contested over 1 ¼ miles on the firm turf. The event is renowned for its significance as a "Win and You’re In" qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup, attracting top female turf horses aiming for national acclaim.

Race Details:

• Winner: Thought Process
• Owner: Estate of Brereton C Jones, Little Red Feather Racing & Madaket Stables LLC
• Breeder: Brereton C Jones (KY)
• Trainer: Philip D’Amato
• Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
• Time: 1:58.47
• Prize Money: $120,000
• Record: 12 starts, 8 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds, $850,200 earned.
• Werk Nick Rating: A+++. Triple Plus.

Second Place: Vronti (GB)

• Breeder: St Albans Bloodstock LLP (GB)
• Trainer: H Graham Motion
• Prize Money: $40,000

Third Place: Resolve

• Breeder: Bloom Racing LLC (KY)
• Trainer: Leonard Powell
• Prize Money: $24,000

Margins: 4 ¼ lengths, ½ length, ½ length.
Odds: 0.80, 5.30, 64.00.

Analysis of Implications and Future Prospects

Thought Process’s dominant performance in the Rodeo Drive Stakes positions her as a serious contender for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Her ability to control the pace and finish with such authority demonstrates her versatility and class. Trainer Philip D’Amato’s strategy of targeting races at Santa Anita, where she has consistently excelled, has clearly paid dividends. The filly’s prior experience on the Breeders’ Cup stage, while not a winning effort, provides valuable seasoning for the high-pressure environment of Keeneland.

The victory also underscores the continued success of sire Collected and highlights the exceptional potential of Creative Thinking as a broodmare. The investment in her progeny, particularly with a return to Oscar Performance, suggests a deliberate and potentially rewarding breeding program.

For her rivals, the Rodeo Drive Stakes served as a stark reminder of Thought Process’s formidable presence. Vronti’s second-place finish confirms her class as a graded stakes performer, while Resolve earned her first graded stakes placing. However, the focus of the racing world will undoubtedly shift to Thought Process as she prepares for her ultimate test on October 31st. Her ability to overcome the challenge of top international competition at Keeneland will be keenly watched.

Background on the Rodeo Drive Stakes

The Rodeo Drive Stakes, established in 1995, has evolved into a crucial stepping stone for older fillies and mares competing on turf. Named after the iconic Beverly Hills street, the race traditionally takes place in the fall at Santa Anita Park, a period rich with significant racing events. Its elevation to Grade II status and its inclusion as a "Win and You’re In" race for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf have significantly boosted its prestige, attracting a caliber of horse capable of competing at the highest level internationally. The race’s demanding 1 ¼ mile distance tests both the speed and stamina of the competitors, making it a true measure of equine excellence. Past winners of the Rodeo Drive Stakes have often gone on to achieve significant success in the Breeders’ Cup and other major turf races, cementing its reputation as a race of consequence.

Broader Impact on the Racing Landscape

Thought Process’s victory contributes to the ongoing narrative of emerging stars in the filly and mare division. Her consistent performances and impressive pedigree suggest a bright future, both on the track and in the breeding shed. The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf is one of the most competitive races on the global calendar, and Thought Process’s entry adds another compelling storyline to the event. Her trainer, Philip D’Amato, has established himself as a leading conditioner, and this victory further solidifies his reputation for developing and campaigning top-class turf runners. The success of North American-bred horses like Thought Process in major turf events is vital for the continued growth and international competitiveness of American Thoroughbred racing.

The partnership that owns Thought Process, including the esteemed Estate of Brereton C. Jones, demonstrates a commitment to breeding and racing high-quality horses. Their strategic approach, from breeding to race selection, has culminated in this significant achievement. As the racing world anticipates the Breeders’ Cup, Thought Process stands as a testament to careful planning, exceptional talent, and the enduring allure of thoroughbred racing.