Héctor Berríos struck another major blow in the United States

The outstanding Chilean jockey captured last Monday’s Gamely Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park aboard Thought Process

ARCADIA, California (Special to Turf Diario).- Chilean jockey Héctor Berríos continues to cement his outstanding standing in the United States, and this past Monday he celebrated another top-level triumph by capturing the Gamely Stakes (G1-1800m, turf, $300,000) at Santa Anita Park, a venue where he has firmly established himself as one of the most reliable riders on the circuit.

Aboard the excellent Thought Process, the Chilean native delivered a precise and confident ride to dominate the prestigious race for older fillies and mares, adding yet another Grade 1 victory to a North American career that continues to grow season after season.

Sent off as the bettors’ favorite, the daughter of Collected performed exactly as expected.

Berríos quickly secured an ideal stalking position behind pace-setting Rashmi (Oscar Performance) while the race unfolded through comfortable fractions of :23.80, :48.45, and 1:12.84 for the opening 1200 meters.

The feeling throughout was that Thought Process was traveling almost too comfortably.

And when the decisive moment arrived, she responded with authority.

Entering the stretch, Berríos asked her to engage alongside Rashmi, and within seconds the race was over. The mare accelerated powerfully and rapidly drew clear, eventually crossing the wire 2 3/4 lengths in front after completing the 1800 meters over turf in a strong 1:47.51.

“She’s much better now. When I pulled alongside the other mare and asked her, she responded beautifully,” Berríos summarized afterward, perfectly reflecting the absolute confidence his mount currently inspires.

For the 39-year-old jockey, it also represented his first victory in the Gamely Stakes, further proof of the place he has earned at the highest levels of American racing since permanently relocating to California.

The winner is trained by Phil D’Amato for the partnership of Estate of Brereton C. Jones, Little Red Feather Racing, and Madaket Stables, and she confirmed that she is currently enjoying the best form of her career.

The road, however, had not been easy.

Thought Process spent more than six months away from the races due to health issues and only returned this past February when winning the Buena Vista Stakes (G2), also at Santa Anita.

Before that, she had already demonstrated considerable talent by capturing the San Clemente Stakes (G2) at Del Mar, along with the Surfer Girl Stakes (G3) and the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf (L) during her 2-year-old season.

Now, with seven victories from only ten starts and earnings surpassing $680,000, she appears ready for even loftier ambitions.

“She trains unbelievably well, even over the dirt, so we’ll see what we decide for Del Mar. The idea is to point her toward the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf,” D’Amato commented, already thinking ahead toward Keeneland and the season-ending championship event.

Meanwhile, Berríos continues writing significant chapters for Chilean racing abroad.

Through quiet work, consistency, and an increasing number of opportunities in major races, the rider born in Chile keeps strengthening his position among California’s leading jockeys, adding yet another Grade 1 victory to an international résumé that continues to expand.

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