Pondering shines in Canada and puts Qué Piensa Cat right back on top

The granddaughter of the notable Gran Premio Eliseo Ramírez (G1) winner repeated in the Bessarabian Stakes (G3) at Woodbine. The Argentine mare, currently residing at Haras Vacación, built a standout family line in the United States

TORONTO, Canada (Special for Turf Diario).— Nearly 20 years after her sensational display in the Gran Premio Eliseo Ramírez (G1) at San Isidro, Qué Piensa Cat continues to make noise abroad. This time it came courtesy of her granddaughter Pondering, who successfully defended her title in the Bessarabian Stakes (G3) on Saturday over seven furlongs on the Woodbine synthetic track in Canada, confirming the international reach of a family that keeps producing high-caliber performers.

The daughter of Hard Spun and Always Thinking (Street Sense), homebred for Godolphin, entered the race winless in five starts. Nor had she visited the winner's circle since taking this very same contest twelve months prior. However,a return to the site of her last victory restored her finest form, albeit using a different tactical script than in 2025.

On that occasion, she rallied from off the pace. This time, with Sahin Civaci taking the reins for the first time,Pondering was intent on making the running. Setting swift fractions of :22.35 and :44.53, she maintained a clear advantage around the turn and straightened for home four lengths clear of her pursuers.

Though the early exertions began to take their toll in the closing stages as Quadruple (Frankel) launched a fierce late bid, the Godolphin runner dug in to hold on by a half-length in 1:23.07. Post-time favorite Reagan's Flame(Flameaway) finished third.

"The plan wasn't to go to the lead, but she took me there. She was pulling very hard and managed to hang on," Civaciexplained after the victory. Trained by Brendan Walsh, Pondering secured her fifth career win from 20 starts and her second graded stakes tally.

The news carries special significance on this side of the hemisphere. Her maternal granddam, Qué Piensa Cat (Easing Along and Compenetrada, by Compatible), was an extraordinary juvenile. Bred by Haras El Alfalfar, she won the 2007 Eliseo Ramírez at San Isidro by 8 lengths, setting a track record of 1:18.93 for the seven furlongs on the turf.She was subsequently exported to the United States, where she laid the foundation for an exceptional broodmare career.

Among her daughters was Always Thinking, winner of the Sensible Lady Turf Dash Stakes (L) at Laurel Park, who has now produced two graded stakes winners for Godolphin. In addition to Pondering, she produced Think Big(Twirling Candy), star of a magnificent season featuring victories in the Shakertown Stakes (G2) at Keeneland, the Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs, and the Kelso Stakes (G3) at Saratoga.

The influence of Qué Piensa Cat does not end there. Another of her daughters, Que Chulo (Bernardini), produced American stakes winner Sharp Aza Tack (Sharp Azteca), while The Goat (Fortify) achieved stakes placings in Argentina.

Repatriated by Haras Vacación, where she currently resides as part of their broodmare band, Qué Piensa Catcontinues to add chapters to a story that began with an unforgettable performance at San Isidro. The victory of Pondering serves as a reminder that some great racing careers do not end on the track—they endure, generation after generation, through their bloodlines.