Del Mar’s premier turf event for three-year-old fillies, the Grade I Del Mar Oaks, returns in mid‑August, showcasing the most promising young turf stars in North America.
This 1 1/8‑mile test features a deep field with international bloodlines, elite trainers, and jockeys aiming to make history on the Jimmy Durante turf.
What Makes the Del Mar Oaks So Special?
From the moment the entries are known, the 2025 Del Mar Oaks picks dominate handicapping conversations. With fresh European invaders, U.S.-graded stakes winners, and smart trainer/jockey teams stacking the morning line, this race ignites speculative intrigue.
Del Mar’s lush coastal turf and reputation for producing Eclipse Award winners, such as Spendarella, Cambier Parc, and Fatale Bere, add to its prestige. The combination of pedigree, form, and immaculate turf elevates this Oaks as one of the most closely watched races of the season.
Top Contenders for 2025
These are the top contenders that are exciting experienced bettors and first-time bettors alike.
Thought Process: Thought Process leads the field based on blistering form, proven Del Mar prowess, and top-class trainer/jockey synergy.
After a prep win in the San Clemente (G2) and a strong allowance performance at Santa Anita, she commands attention. Her sire, Collected, imparts late kick and turf adaptability. Gaffalione, a Breeders’ Cup Turf veteran, knows precisely how to time her run, while trainer D’Amato has a fine history in graded turf stakes at Del Mar.
Casalu: Casalu brings an elite pedigree and performance. She boasts one of the highest composite ratings in the field and shines as an early stalker with closing gear.
Trained by Baffert, who maintains a solid graded-stakes win rate, Casalu represents upside value despite a long layoff.
Will Then: Will Then offers tactical precision from the rail. Recently successful in G3 events and boasting consistent turf form, she benefits from Smith’s Hall of Fame experience and Thomas’s strong record at Del Mar.
Though not the most explosive, Will Then often figures in pace scenarios thanks to early speed and positioning.
How Do The 2025 Favorites Stack Up Against Past Champions?
Winning the Del Mar Oaks demands more than just raw speed or surface familiarity. Historically, successful fillies in this Grade I turf classic display a blend of late turn-of-foot, turf adaptability, and tactical intelligence, traits seen in past winners like Cambier Parc (2019), Fatale Bere (2018), and Spendarella (2022).
When punters evaluate this year’s top contenders, several familiar patterns emerge that mirror those champions.
Thought Process
Much like Cambier Parc, who surged from a stalking position to dominate late, Thought Process boasts a textbook closer’s profile.
She tracks just behind the lead, then unleashes a powerful late burst through the stretch. Her sire, Collected, contributes both stamina and turf agility, resembling the pedigree strength of previous winners sired by turf-tested stallions. She fits the mold of fillies who thrive on firm ground and respond under pressure when asked for her best run.
Casalu
Casalu echoes the European turf influence that powered Fatale Bere to victory. With a foundation in route racing and a turn-based acceleration style, Casalu hits the Oaks’ sweet spot: stalking pace without overextending early, then attacking the final turn with intent.
Her Group 3 success and strong galloping stride recall the profile of imports or Euro-style campaigners that have performed well at Del Mar when handled with patience.
Will Then
Will Then presents a compelling hybrid of tactical awareness and relentless drive reminiscent of Spendarella’s 2022 performance. Like Spendarella, she excels when allowed to dictate the rhythm early, maintaining a smooth cadence before shifting gears with remarkable efficiency in the final furlong.
What sets Will Then apart is her ability to quicken off modest early fractions, a trait that historically rewards front-end or stalking types when the turf tightens in August.
Bred from a blend of miler stamina and sharp turf precocity, she enters the Oaks with a versatile profile: adaptable, consistent, and proven against older fillies, echoing the championship mettle seen in prior winners who transitioned seamlessly from allowance company to Grade I form.
Trainer and Jockey Combinations
There has always been an unspoken bond of trust between owners, trainers, jockeys, and horses. Top trainers know which jockeys can get the best out of their horses and elevate them to a level above the rest of the field. This year’s outing at the Del Mar Oaks is no exception.
Bettors may find value in the following pairings:
- Phil D’Amato & Tyler Gaffalione: a reliable powerhouse combination, D’Amato’s turf preparation and Gaffalione’s tactical finish could deliver for Thought Process,
- Bob Baffert & Kazushi Kimura: Casalu gets the Baffert polish after a lengthy layoff, Kimura’s patient riding style suits those who are easily intimidated,
- Jonathan Thomas & Mike Smith: Will Then benefits from Smith’s Del Mar expertise; his composure from the rail spot is a hallmark on deep turf fields.
Other Fillies to Watch
While significant attention is given to the favorites, who rightly dominate all Del Mar-based conversations, bettors know that it can take one fantastic performance from an outsider to upset the apple cart. There are no absolute certainties in racing.
Some of the horses that could cause an upset include:
- Firenze Flavor: a solid closer with graded stakes credentials,
- Amorita, Jungle Peace, and Silent Law: pace-types who can disrupt rhythm if they go too fast early. Each adds exotic potential in multi-leg bets.
Betting Angles & Strategy
Bettors who want to maximise their enjoyment at the Del Mar Oaks know that it is very dangerous to enter the day without a specific strategy. While some bets may jump at you on the day, experienced bettors spend weeks studying the racecard, collating their thoughts.
This is where you could find good value on the day:
- Bettors placing Win bets should focus on Thought Process as the top choice as her speed figures, Del Mar record, and tactical setup make her the most complete profile,
- Exacta Box (1–3 horses): Bettors should consider including Casalu and Will Then to cover stalking and early-pressing strategies,
- Exotic plays: Bettors should consider adding Firenze Flavor and Amorita as deeper closers if pace separates,
- Bettors should watch for post position advantages; rail around firm turf tends to favor horses with inside speed.
Don’t Miss a Moment
The 2025 Del Mar Oaks features a compelling blend of turf-bred fillies, proven pedigrees, and winning trainer/jockey combinations.
While Thought Process carries the formline, Casalu and Will Then each offer strategic approaches that threaten to derail a chalk finish. Bettors and fans eager for top-level turf action know this Oaks delivers excitement and tactical depth.
*This information is provided as of 2025/08/01, for general informational purposes only and is subject to change.
