Imagine stepping into the high-stakes world of horse racing, where a last-minute change can turn an ordinary day into a historic victory. That’s exactly what happened when jockey Kazushi Kimura found himself deputizing for the injured Antonio Fresu on Ambaya in the December 28 American Oaks (G1T) at Santa Anita Park. Little did he know, this unexpected opportunity would catapult him into the spotlight as the rider of a Grade 1 winner. But here’s where it gets fascinating: Kimura’s success wasn’t just luck—it was the result of a whirlwind preparation orchestrated by trainer Jonathan Thomas, who was juggling three horses in the race. Thomas, in a move that could only be described as both bold and brilliant, gave Kimura a crash course in Ambaya’s potential, complete with replay reviews and a five-minute pep talk that ended with a shake and a promise: ‘This filly’s training fantastic—you can win if you get the right trip.’ And win they did.
The race itself was a masterclass in strategy. Ribbons took the early lead, setting a leisurely pace, while Kimura positioned Ambaya in fifth, biding her time. And this is the part most people miss: Ambaya’s ability to navigate through tight spaces with ease was the game-changer. She surged forward, claiming victory by a half-length over the favored Cliffs in a time of 2:01.02. Will Then, another Thomas-trained contender, secured third place by a neck, showcasing the trainer’s prowess in preparing multiple top performers.
Kimura’s post-race reflections shed light on his seamless partnership with Ambaya. ‘She always steps through from the gate, but today was actually smooth right out the gate, so it was quite easy to get a nice position,’ he noted. His ability to track stablemate Will Then and capitalize on the extra room when Flavien moved to the outside was a testament to his skill and Ambaya’s responsiveness.
Both Thomas and Kimura enjoyed a stellar opening day at Santa Anita, each scoring doubles. Thomas’s victory in the Mathis Mile (G2T) with Hiding in Honduras and Kimura’s maiden win aboard Secured Freedom added to their accolades. Meanwhile, Fresu, who was originally slated to ride Ambaya, had to step aside after injuring his left foot in an earlier race—a reminder of the unpredictability and high stakes of the sport.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Ambaya’s win marked Thomas’s first Grade 1 victory for George Strawbridge’s Augustin Stable, a milestone that raises questions about the future of this trainer-owner partnership. Strawbridge, who owns all three of Thomas’s American Oaks runners, bred both Ambaya and Will Then, while As Catch Can, who finished ninth, was a $210,000 purchase. This blend of breeding and strategic acquisitions highlights the intricate balance between art and science in horse racing.
Ambaya’s journey to the winner’s circle wasn’t without its challenges. With just one win in five prior starts, she had finished third in the Christiana Stakes at Delaware Park in her only other stakes attempt. Thomas, however, saw her potential, praising her as ‘a really beautiful mover, well-bred, and incrementally gotten better.’ Her recent bad luck, he noted, made this victory all the more satisfying.
The pedigree behind Ambaya is equally impressive. Her dam, Kundray, a New York-bred daughter of Distorted Humor, won three of nine races and earned $149,635 under Thomas’s guidance. The second dam, J’ray, was a multiple graded stakes winner with earnings of $969,843. Ambaya’s sire, Ghostzapper, the 2004 Horse of the Year, has produced eight black-type winners in 2025 alone, cementing his legacy as a perennial leading sire.
As we reflect on Ambaya’s triumph, it’s impossible not to wonder: What’s next for this rising star? And how will Thomas and Strawbridge build on this success? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a sport where breeding and strategy collide, which factor do you think plays a bigger role in a horse’s success? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
