Thought Process heads a field of 10 fillies and mares in Monday’s Grade 2, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes, the main turf feature on Del Mar’s Labor Day closing card.
The 1 1/8 mile race is scheduled as Race 9, with an approximate post time of 5:30 p.m. Pacific. The Mabee anchors the final day of Del Mar’s 2026 summer meet and brings together a mix of established local turf runners and mares trying to finish the season with a graded stakes win.
Thought Process is the horse to beat
Thought Process drew post 4 and was installed as the 8 to 5 morning line favorite with Hector Berrios aboard. Her position on the line reflects the strongest recent profile in the field, but a field of 10 over nine furlongs on turf still leaves room for pace, trip and positioning to matter.
Medoro is the 7 to 2 second choice with Juan Hernandez, while Whiskey Decision is listed at 6 to 1. Bojaca Blessing and Baltic Fire are each 8 to 1, giving the race several plausible alternatives if the favorite does not get the right trip.
The full John C. Mabee field
From the rail, the field is Whiskey Decision, Pura Vida Princesa, Bojaca Blessing, Thought Process, Canto Della Terra, Baltic Fire, Medoro, Fibonaccis Ride, Firenze Fire and Vincey Girl.
The race is the 69th running of the John C. Mabee and uses Del Mar’s nine furlong turf configuration out of the infield chute.
Why the race matters on closing day
The Mabee is one of the final graded opportunities of Del Mar’s summer meet and arrives just as the broader turf division begins turning toward the fall championship season. That makes Monday useful not only as a standalone stakes event but also as a form check for runners who may continue into stronger autumn company.
OTB Bet is also following the major developments among 2 year olds from the same closing weekend. Hughes won Sunday’s Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, while Miss Monica dominated Saturday’s Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante.
For the championship calendar beyond Del Mar, see our 2026 Breeders’ Cup guide.
Verified from Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s official September 6 closing day preview and stable notes. Featured image: Mike Kotsch via Unsplash, used under the Unsplash License; image is illustrative and does not depict the John C. Mabee field.
