Thought Process Headlines Del Mar Oaks 2025 Field
The spotlight falls on Thought Process this weekend as she bids to complete the prestigious San Clemente–Del Mar Oaks double in Saturday’s Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks, a feat achieved only twice since the turn of the century. Trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the daughter of Collected will break from post 10 in an eleven-horse field set for the 69th running of this storied race.
Thought Process Del Mar Oaks Challenge
Thought Process dazzled on opening weekend at Del Mar, winning the Grade 2 San Clemente in commanding style. She pressed the pace early, surged clear at the top of the stretch, and coasted home in 1:36.24 for the mile under a hand ride.
“She’s matured,” D’Amato remarked. “She’s always had the size and scope, but mentally she’s much stronger now.”
Her sharp preparation continued last Sunday with a bullet turf workout, pleasing her trainer even more. “She split horses and did it under a hammerlock. She came out of it in excellent shape,” D’Amato said, signaling confidence ahead of the Oaks’ mile and an eighth distance—the longest test of her career.
Top Contenders Lined Up
Casalu Looks to Upset
Trainer Bob Baffert’s Casalu, second in the San Clemente, brings consistency into the Oaks. The big filly has finished first or second in her last four starts, including last year’s Jimmy Durante. “She just got beat by a better horse last time,” Baffert admitted. “It all depends on the pace.”
Will Then Charging Late
Will Then, trained by Jonathan Thomas, ran on strongly to be third in the San Clemente. “We were happy with how she finished,” said assistant Chelsie Raabe. Winner of last year’s Jimmy Durante, the daughter of War of Will is expected to relish the added distance.
Firenze Flavor Adds Proven Stamina
Fourth in the San Clemente, Firenze Flavor already boasts a Grade 3 Honeymoon victory at the Oaks’ mile-and-an-eighth trip, making her one to watch for stamina seekers.
Invaders Eye the Prize
Two international shippers could shake up the race:
-
Take A Breath, an English-bred making her U.S. debut for trainer Mark Glatt.
-
Lush Lips, a Brendan Walsh trainee who captured the $200,000 Tepin Stakes at Churchill Downs after finishing second in the Grade 2 Edgewood.
Walsh explained the Oaks decision: “Grade 1s for 3-year-old fillies are few and far between. It’s a great opportunity.”
Del Mar Oaks 2025 Field & Odds
-
Slick (Mirco Demuro, 15-1)
-
Take A Breath (Hector Berrios, 12-1)
-
Velocity (Ricky Gonzalez, 15-1)
-
Resolve (Kent Desormeaux, 20-1)
-
Lush Lips (Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1)
-
Edge of Mali (Antonio Fresu, 15-1)
-
Will Then (Juan Hernandez, 6-1)
-
Firenze Flavor (Drayden Van Dyke, 15-1)
-
Casalu (Kazushi Kimura, 10-1)
-
Thought Process (Umberto Rispoli, 8/5)
-
Striver (Armando Ayuso, 30-1)
The Oaks is scheduled as Race 8 on Saturday’s 10-race Del Mar card, with a post time of 5:30 p.m. PT.
More From Del Mar
While the Oaks headlines the action, fans will also follow the progress of Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Straight No Chaser, who worked sharply at Del Mar but will target the Santa Anita Sprint Championship in September instead of the Pat O’Brien.
Off the track, the spotlight also shines on CARMAthon 2025, an all-day fundraiser streamed live on FanDuel TV, supporting aftercare for retired racehorses.
Read more horse racing news and previews only on RaceBuzz.
Catch all the latest racing updates and previews from Del Mar.
