SAN LUIS REY S. (gr. II ), Santa Anita Park , March 16, 2013 , $150,000 Guaranteed , value of race $150,750 , 4 yo's & up , 1 1/2 miles , 2:22.72 Turf FM .

California has proved to be the promised land for Bright Thought. The lightly raced 4-year-old son of Hat Trick won his third consecutive race at Santa Anita following his arrival from the East this year.

Bright Thought, who has made seven starts for owners Marjorie Dye and Venneri Racing, won his richest race, the $150,750 San Luis Rey Stakes (gr. IIT) at 11/2 miles, March 16. Bright Thought sprinted clear in the final furlong to win by 31/4 lengths as the 5-2 second choice, setting a world record in the process.

Bright Thought began the year with a first-place finish in an allowance race at Penn National Race Course but was disqualified and placed last of 10. Sent to California, he won the Super Bowl Party Starter Handicap and an allowance/optional claiming race prior to the San Luis Rey.

Bright Thought was foaled and raised at Blackhorse Farm, owned by Alex Venneri and John Downs and located near Lexington. Blackhorse encompasses about 300 acres of W.T. Young’s old Overbrook Farm, made famous as the home of major sire Storm Cat.

Downs, who serves as Blackhorse general manager, took an early liking to Bright Thought. “I remember John calling me up and saying what an athletic-looking horse he is,” said Venneri, who lives near La Canada, Calif. “John would say that you can have a lot of fun with this horse and don’t sell him.”

Bright Thought finished seventh in his first career start but then won by 11 lengths at Laurel Park next time out.

Bright Thought’s dam, Smart Thought, whose three previous foals are all multiple winners, produced a Colonel John offspring this year that later died. She was bred back to that stallion and is in foal.

Smart Thought’s 3-year-old filly, Thinkcandy (by Candy Ride), is in training in Pennsylvania with Stephanie Beattie, and the mare’s unnamed 2-year-old Kodiak Kowboy filly is getting ready to be sent to California.

Japanese-bred Hat Trick has sired five stakes winners including French topweight Dabirsim and King David, winner of last year’s Jamaica Handicap (gr. IT) in New York. Hat Trick stands for $15,000 at Antony Beck’s Gainesway Farm near Lexington.—D.S.

SUPER BOWL PARTY STARTER H. ( ), Santa Anita Park , February 03, 2013 , $40,000 Added , value of race $47,050 , 4 yo's & up , 1 mile , 1:33.62 Turf FM .